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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20012004

Commission file number: 1-31227


COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

52-2337274
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1015 31st Street N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20007

(Address of principal executive offices)

(202) 295-4200

(Registrant'sRegistrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  ox    No  ýo

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant'sregistrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  o    No  x

As of March 25, 2002, 3,419,492June 30, 2004, 802,142 shares of the registrant'sregistrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding. As of that date, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $6,970,613$4,652,425 based on a closing price of $3.41$5.80 on the American Stock Exchange on such date. Directors, executive officers and 10% or greater shareholders are considered affiliates for purposes of this calculation but should not necessarily be deemed affiliates for any other purpose.

On March 25, 2005, the Company had 32,398,460 shares of common stock outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of our Definitive Information Statement for the 20022005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 20012004 are incorporated herein by reference in response to Part III, Items 10 through 13,14, inclusive.







COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE PERIODYEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001

2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS



Page


Part I—Financial Information


Item 1.1


Business


Business


2

3


Item 2.2


Properties


Properties


9

15


Item 3.3



Legal Proceedings



9

16


Item 4.4



Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders



10

16


Part II—Other Information




Item 5.5



Market for Registrant'sRegistrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters



11

17


Item 6.6



Selected Consolidated Financial Data



12

18


Item 7.7



Management's

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations



14

19


Item 7A.7A



Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk



35

37


Item 8.8



Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



37

38


Item 9.9



Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure



59

77


Part III

Item 9A


Controls and Procedures


77


Item 10.9B


Other Information


Part III

Item 10

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant



60

78


Item 11.11



Executive Compensation



60

78


Item 12.12



Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management



60

78


Item 13.13



Certain Relationships and Related Transactions



60

78


Part IV

Item 14


Principal Accountant Fees and Services


78


Part IV

Item 14.15



Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K



61

78


Signatures



70

91



SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report may contain forward-looking statements and certain pro forma information that is presented for illustrative purposes only, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events. You can identify these forward-looking statements by our use of words such as "anticipates," "believes," "continues," "expects," "intends," "likely," "may," "opportunity," "plans," "potential," "project," "will,"“anticipates,” “believes,” “continues,” “expects,” “intends,” “likely,” “may,” “opportunity,” “plans,” “potential,” “project,” “will,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, whether in the negative or the affirmative. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve these plans, intentions or expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecast or anticipated in such forward-looking statements.

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our view only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update these statements or publicly release the result of any revisions to these statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

12





PART I

ITEM 1.                BUSINESS

Overview

We provideare a leading facilities-based provider of low-cost, high-speed Internet access and Internet Protocol communications services. Our network is specifically designed and optimized to transmit data communicationsusing IP. IP networks are significantly less expensive to operate and are able to achieve higher performance levels than the traditional circuit-switched networks used by our competitors, thus giving us clear cost and performance advantages in our industry. We deliver our services to small and medium-sized businesses, other telecommunications providers, applicationcommunications service providers and Internetother bandwidth-intensive organizations through over 8,700 customer connections in North America and Europe.

Our primary on-net service providers located in large commercial office buildings in central business districts of major metropolitan markets. We offeris Internet access at speedsa speed of 100 megabitsMegabits per second, (Mbps)much faster than typical Internet access currently offered to businesses. We offer this on-net service exclusively through our own facilities, which run all the way to our customers’ premises. Because of our integrated network architecture, we are not dependent on local telephone companies to serve our on-net customers. This allows us to earn much higher gross profit margins on our on-net business. Our typical customers in multi-tenant office buildings are law firms, financial services firms, advertising and 1 gigabit (or 1,000 megabits)marketing firms and other professional services businesses. We also provide on-net Internet access at a speed of one Gigabit per second (Gbps). Weand greater to certain bandwidth-intensive users such as universities, other ISPs and commercial content providers.

In addition to providing our on-net services, we also offer other similar data communications products for point-to-point communication alongprovide Internet connectivity to customers that are not located in buildings directly connected to our network. We currently haveserve these off-net customers using other carriers’ facilities for provision of our services into provide the following cities: Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Miami, Santa Clara, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, San Diego, Sacramento, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Seattle and Toronto. We are currently serving customers in 18 of those cities.

        We provide our services using a state“last mile” portion of the art nationwide networklink from our customers’ premises to our network.

We also operate 30 data centers comprising over 330,000 square feet throughout North America and Europe that connects our customers' local area networks, or LANs,allow customers to colocate their equipment and access our network, and the Internet at speeds of 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps. from which we provide managed modem service.

We have created our own nationwide inter-city facilities based network by acquiring rightspurchasing optical fiber from carriers with large amounts of unused fiber and directly connecting Internet routers to unlitthe existing optical fiber optic strands, or "dark fiber," connecting large metropolitan areas in the United States and metropolitan dark fiber rings, or metro rings, within the cities we intend to serve.national backbone. We have primarily used equipment from Cisco to "light," or activate, these dark fibers so that they are capable of carrying data at very high speeds. We physically connectexpanded our network through 13 key acquisitions of financially distressed companies or their assets at a significant discount to their original cost. The overall impact of these acquisitions on the operation of our customers by acquiring or constructing a connection betweenbusiness has been to extend the physical reach of our metro rings and our customers' premises. As of December 31, 2001, Cogent had its broadband data network operating or constructed inside 166 office buildings with more than 65 million rentable square feet and had agreements with real estate owners to install and operate its network in 967 office buildings totaling approximately 296 million rentable square feet.both North America and Europe, expand the breadth of our service offerings, and increase the number of customers to whom we provide our services.

        Our network has been designed and created solely forRecent Developments

In February 2005, the purposeholders of transmitting data packets using Internet protocol. This means that our network does not require elaborate and expensive equipmentpreferred stock elected to route and manage voice traffic and data traffic using other transmission protocols, such as ATM and Frame Relay. In addition, we charge our customers a flat monthly rate without regard to the origination or destination of their data traffic. As a result, we are not required to purchase, install and operate the complex and expensive billing equipment and systems that are used in voice grade networks. Finally, our network interfaces with our customers using Ethernet technology, which is widely used within corporate LANs.

Developments During the Year Ended December 31, 2001

Structural Reorganization

        Cogent Communications, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on August 9, 1999. On March 14, 2001, we completed structural reorganization of the company by creating a new parent company, Cogent Communications Group, Inc., also a Delaware corporation. The reorganization was accomplished by an exchange by our stockholders ofconvert all of their outstanding common and preferred shares of Cogent Communications, Inc. for an equal number of common and preferred shares of the new parent company. The common and preferred shares of the new parent company include rights and privileges identical to the common and preferred shares of Cogent Communications, Inc. All of the options to purchase shares of Cogent Communications, Inc. common stock were also converted into options to purchase an equal number of shares of the new parent. This reorganization was a tax-free exchange.

2



Acquisition of NetRail Inc. Assets

        On September 6, 2001, we acquired for approximately $11.9 million the major assets of NetRail, Inc. through a sale conducted under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The assets include certain customer contracts and the related accounts receivable, circuits, network equipment, and settlement-free peering arrangements with Tier-1 Internet service providers. NetRail's facilities and traffic have been integrated with our network. We anticipate reduced costs of network operations from the availability of NetRail's Tier-1 settlement-free peering arrangements and an increase in revenue from the customers obtained in the acquisition.

Recent Developments

Merger with Allied Riser Communications Corporation

        On February 4, 2002, we consummated our merger with Allied Riser Communications Corporation.

        Allied Riser is a facilities-based provider of broadband data, video and voice communications services to small- and medium-sized businesses in North America, including Canada. Effective September 21, 2001, Allied Riser suspended its retail services in most of its markets in the United States. Cogent and Allied Riser merged because it presented an opportunity for the two companies to combine their networks. We expect to become a stronger competitor in our markets as a result of the merger.

        Inside its constructed buildings, Allied Riser has installed a fiber optic broadband data infrastructure that typically runs from the basement of the building to the top floor inside the building's vertical utility shaft. This broadband data infrastructure is designed to carry data traffic for all the building's tenants. Service for customers is initiated by connecting a fiber optic cable to the infrastructure in the vertical utility shaft to each customers office location.

        Inside the building, usually in the basement, Allied Riser also establishes a building point-of-presence. In each building point-of-presence, it connects the fiber optic cables to routers or other electronic equipment that enable transmission of data traffic to and from those cables and metro rings. Allied Riser has obtained the right to use a small amount of space in each building to establish the building point-of-presence.

        Allied Riser's typical lease or license agreement with a real estate owner is for a term of ten or more years. The agreement provides for the development of the network installation design and the approval of the construction plans and arrangements by the building's owner as well as ongoing reporting to the building's owner of network expansion as Allied Riser adds customers and revenue sharing or fixed monthly rent.

        Allied Riser, through its majority-owned subsidiary, Shared Technologies of Canada, Inc., continues to provide voice as well as retail high-speed Internet access in Toronto, Canada through its in-building network.

        We acquired Allied Riser by merging a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cogent with and into Allied Riser. As a consequence of the merger Allied Riser became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cogent. In the merger, stockholders of Allied Riser received approximately 0.0321679 shares of our common stock, for each sharewhich we refer to as the Equity Conversion. As a result, we no longer have any shares of Allied Riserpreferred stock outstanding.

On February 14, 2005, we filed a registration statement on a Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-122821) with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the sale of up to $86.3 million of our common stock that they owned. Asin an underwritten public offering (the “Public Offering”). In connection with the Public Offering, our board of directors and holders of our securities holding the requisite number of common shares approved a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of our common stock. The reverse stock split was effected on March 15, 200224, 2005 and the former Allied Riser stockholders own approximately 13.4% of the outstanding648 million shares of our common stock on a fully diluted basis.

        In connection withoutstanding after the merger we completed a ten-for-one reverseEquity Conversion were converted into


32.4 million shares of our common stock split. All(the “Reverse Stock Split”). Unless otherwise indicated, all share and per-share information contained in this report reflects the Reverse Stock Split.

On February 24, 2005, we issued a subordinated note in the principal amount of $10.0 million to Columbia Ventures Corporation. The note was issued pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement dated February 24, 2005. The note has an initial interest rate of 10% per annum and the interest rate increases by one percent on August 24, 2005, six months after the note was issued, and by a further one percent at the end of each successive six-month period up to a maximum of 17%. Interest on the note accrues and is payable on the note’s maturity date of February 24, 2009. We may prepay the note in whole or in part at any time. The terms of the note require that we pay all principal and accrued interest upon the occurrence of that reverse stock split.a liquidity event, which is defined as an equity offering in which we raise at least $30 million in net proceeds. Our Public Offering would constitute a liquidity event under the note. Accordingly, we will be required to use a portion of the proceeds of the Public Offering to repay the principal and accrued interest on the note. The note is subordinated to our debt to Cisco Systems Capital in the amount of $17.0 million as well as up to $10.0 million in debt under our accounts receivable line of credit described below. Columbia Ventures Corporation is owned by one of our directors, Kenneth D. Peterson, Jr., and is a holder of approximately 9.6% of our common stock.

3



Acquisition of PSINet, Inc. Assets

In January 2002,March 2005 we entered into a due diligence$10.0 million loan agreement with PSINet, Inc. This agreement allowed usSilicon Valley Bank relating to undertake due diligence related to certain of PSINet's network operations in the United States. We paid a $3.0 million fee to PSINet in connection with this arrangement. On February 26, 2002, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with PSINet. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, we agreed to acquire certain of PSINet's assets and acquire certain liabilities related to its operations in the United States for a total of $7.0 million. The assets include certain of PSINet's customer contracts, accounts receivable, rights to 10,000 route miles pursuant to indefeasible rights of use, telecommunications and computer equipment, three web hosting data centers, and certain intangibles, including settlement-free peering rights. Settlement-free peering rights permit the transfer of data traffic to and from other carriers at no cost. Assumed liabilities include certain leased circuit commitments and collocation arrangements. On March 27, 2002, the bankruptcy court approved the sale. The transaction is expected to close in April 2002. This acquisition, if completed, will add a new element to Cogent's operations inloan facility that in addition to our current high-speed Internet access business, we will begin operating a more traditional Internet service provider business, with lower speed connections provided by leased circuits.

Allied Riser Bankruptcy Proceeding

        On March 27, 2002, certain holders of Allied Riser's 7.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007 filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code against Allied Riser in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. This development is discussed in greater detail in "Legal Proceedings" below.

Our Solution

        We believe that our network solutions effectively address many of the unmet communications needs of small- and medium-sized business customers by offering quality, performance, attractive pricing and service. Cogent allows customers to connect their corporate LANs to the public Internet at the same speeds and with the same Ethernet interface that they use within their LANs. Our solution is differentiated by:

        Attractive price/performance alternative: Our network architecture allows us to offer Internet access to our customers in Cogent-served buildings at attractive prices. Our service provides customers with substantially more bandwidth at a lower cost than traditional high-speed Internet access.

        Reliable service: We believe our network provides reliability at all levels through the use of highly reliable optical technology. We use a ring structure in the majority of our network, which enables us to route customer traffic simultaneously in both directions around the network rings both at the metro and national level. The availability of two data transmission paths around each ring acts as a backup, thereby minimizing loss of service in the event of equipment failure or damage.

        Direct Customer Interface: Our solution does not require us to use existing local infrastructure controlled by the local incumbent telephone companies. We generally do not rely upon the local telephone company to provide connections to our customers and thereby have more control over our services and pricing. We expect that this effort reduces both our costs and the amount of time that it takes to connect customers to our network.

        Deployment of cost effective and flexible technology: The 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps services can be deployed at comparatively lower incremental cost than other available technologies. We believe that our network infrastructure provides us with a competitive advantage over operatorsline of existing networks that needcredit. On March 18, 2005, we borrowed $10.0 million under the line of credit of which $4.0 million is restricted and held by Silicon Valley Bank. We refer to this facility as our line of credit. The loans under the line of credit bear an interest rate of prime plus 1.5% per annum and may, in certain circumstances, be upgradedreduced to provide similar interactive bandwidth-intensive services. Ethernet represents the lowest cost interface available for data connectivity.prime rate plus 0.5%. The line of credit matures on January 31, 2007. Our obligations under the line of credit are secured by a first priority lien in certain of our accounts receivable and are guaranteed by all of our material domestic subsidiaries. The loan agreement and related agreements governing the line of credit contain certain customary representations and warranties, covenants, notice provisions and events of default.

4



Our Network

Our network is comprised of in-building riser facilities, metropolitan optical networks, metropolitan traffic aggregation points and inter-city backbonetransport facilities. We deliver a high level of technical performance because our network is optimized for Internet protocol traffic. It is more reliable and less costly for IP traffic than networks built as overlays to traditional telephone networks.

Our network serves over 75 metropolitan markets in North America and Europe and encompasses:

·       over 800 multi-tenant office buildings strategically located in commercial business districts;

·       over 200 carrier-neutral Internet aggregation facilities, data centers and single-tenant buildings;

·       over 150 intra-city networks consisting of over 8,400 fiber miles;

·       an inter-city network of more than 21,000 fiber route miles; and

·       three leased high-capacity circuits providing a transatlantic link between the North American and European portions of our network.

We have created our network by purchasing optical fiber from carriers with large amounts of unused fiber and directly connecting Internet routers to the existing optical fiber national backbone. We have expanded our network through key acquisitions of financially distressed companies or their assets at a significant discount to their original cost. Due to our network design and acquisition strategy, we believe we are positioned to grow our revenue and increase profitability with minimal incremental capital expenditures.


Inter-city Networks

The North American portion of our inter-city network consists of two strands of optical fiber that we have acquired from WilliamsWilTel Communications and 360networks under a pre-paid indefeasible rightIRUs. The WilTel fiber route is approximately 12,500 miles in length and runs through all of use (IRU).the metropolitan areas that we serve with the exception of Toronto, Ontario. We have the right to use the WilTel fiber for 20 yearsthrough 2020 and may extend the term for two five-year periods without additional payment. WeTo serve the Toronto market, we lease two strands of optical fiber under pre-paid IRUs from affiliates of 360networks. This fiber runs from Buffalo to Toronto. The 360networks IRUs expire in 2020, after which title to the fiber is to be transferred to us. While the IRUs are pre-paid, we pay WilliamsWilTel and affiliates of 360networks to maintain the fibertheir respective fibers during the period of the IRU. The fiber route is approximately 12,500 miles in lengthIRUs. We own and runsmaintain the electronic equipment that transmits data through the fiber. That equipment is located approximately every 40 miles along the network and in our metropolitan areas thataggregation points and the on-net buildings we serve. Certain portions

In Spain we have approximately 1,300 route miles of fiber secured from La Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles. We have the right to use this fiber pursuant to an IRU that expires in 2012. In France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, we have approximately 5,400 route miles of fiber secured from Neuf Telecom and Telia. We have the right to use the Neuf Telecom fiber pursuant to an IRU that expires in 2020. In Germany and Austria, we have approximately 1,800 route miles of fiber secured from MTI and Telia. We have the right to use the MTI fiber pursuant to an IRU that expires in 2019. We have the right to use all of our backbone network were provided by means of transmission capacity purchased from Williams Communications until certain segments of theTelia fiber pursuant to an IRU were available. We replaced this transmission capacityexpiring in 2011 with fiber obtained under the IRU arrangement. As of December 31, 2001, Williams had delivered all of the approximately 12,500 miles of the route.an option to extend to 2019.

Intra-city Networks

In each North American metropolitan area in which we provide high-speed on-net Internet access service, the backbone network is connected to a router (purchased from Cisco Systems) that provides a connectionconnected to one or more metropolitan optical networks. TheThese metropolitan networks also consist of darkoptical fiber that runs from the backbonecentral router in a market into buildings that we serve.routers located in on-net buildings. The metropolitan fiber in most cases runs in a ring through the buildings served. The ringarchitecture, which provides redundancy so that if the fiber is cut data can still be transmitted to the backbonecentral router by directing traffic in the opposite direction around the ring. Each building that we serve has a Cisco router connected to the metropolitan fiber. The router in the building provides thea connection to each customeron-net customer.

The European intra-city networks for Internet access service use essentially the same architecture as in North America, with fiber rings connecting routers in each on-net building we serve to a central router. While these intra-city networks were originally built as legacy networks providing point-to-point services, we are using excess capacity on these networks to implement our IP network.

Within the building. In additionNorth American cities where we offer off-net Internet access service, we lease circuits, typically T1 lines, from telecommunications carriers, primarily local telephone companies, to connecting customersprovide the last mile connection to the customer’s premises. Typically, these circuits are aggregated at various locations in those cities onto higher-capacity leased circuits that ultimately connect the local aggregation route to our network, the metropolitan networks are usednetwork. In Europe, we offer off-net Internet access service through leased E1 lines and we have begun to deploy off-net aggregation equipment across our network.

In-Building Networks

We connect our networkrouters to the networks of other Internet service providers.

        Inside our networked buildings, we install and manage a broadband data infrastructurecable containing 12 to 288 optical fiber strands that typically runsrun from the basement of the building through the building riser to the customer location using the building's vertical utility shaft.location. Service for customers is initiated by connecting a fiber-opticfiber optic cable from a customer'scustomer’s local area network to the infrastructure in the vertical utility shaft.building riser. The customer then has dedicated and secure access to our network using an Ethernet connections.connection. Ethernet is the lowest cost network connection technology and is used almost universally for the local area networks that businesses operate.


Internetworking

Market OpportunityThe Internet is an aggregation of interconnected networks. We interconnect our network with over 420 other ISPs at approximately 40 locations. We interconnect our network through public and private peering arrangements. Public peering is the means by which ISPs have traditionally connected to each other at central, public facilities. Larger ISPs also exchange traffic and interconnect their networks by means of direct private connections referred to as private peering.

        IncreasingPeering agreements between ISPs are necessary in order for them to exchange traffic. Without peering agreements, each ISP would have to buy Internet usage is radically changing the way we obtain information, communicate,access from every other ISP in order for its customer’s traffic, such as email, to reach and conduct business. We expect the demand for data and Internet services to grow at a substantially greater pace than the voice market.

        According to Dun & Bradstreet, there are approximately 1.8 million small and medium-sized businesses in the United States, which typically employ between 10 and 500 employees. While most large enterprises build or lease dedicated high-speed networks and complex communications equipment, most small-and medium-sized businesses, due to cost and network infrastructure constraints, are not able to enjoy the levelsbe received from customer’s of service and functionality that such facilities and equipment can provide. For example, the majority of small and medium-sized businesses access the Internet through relatively slow dial-up connections, often at speeds of 56,000 bits per second or less, or they may access the Internet through a dedicated private line typically transmitting data at 1.5 megabits per second. We believe that dedicated high speed connections to the Internet for small and medium-sized businesses will grow significantly over the next few years.

other ISPs. We are targeting this growing market segment by constructing our fiber-optic broadband networks in the office buildings in which many small and medium-sized businesses are located. We estimate that there are more than 2,800 office buildings containing more than 100,000 square feet which serve at least 20 unique tenants and average more than 40 tenants, and are located within servable distance (a quarter ofconsidered a mile) from a planned Cogent intra-city fiber ring.

5



Our Strategy

        We intend to become a leading provider of high-capacity broadband access to our customers in large multi-tenanted office buildings in commercial business districts of the 20 largest markets in the U.S. and Toronto, Canada. To achieve this objective, we intend to:

        Focus on most attractive markets and customers: We intend to build our customer base rapidly in our target markets. We target buildings that have high tenant count and limited broadband network access alternatives in dense commercial areas, which we believe will shorten the payback period on our investments. The value of our network and its ability to function both as a LAN-to-InternetTier 1 ISP and, as a LAN-to-LANresult, have settlement-free peering arrangements with most other providers. This allows us to exchange traffic with those ISPs without payment by either party. In such arrangements, each party exchanging traffic bears its own cost of delivering traffic to the point at which it is handed off to the other party. We also engage in public peering arrangements in which each party also pays a fee to the owner of routing equipment that operates as the central exchange for all the participants. We do not treat our settlement-free peering arrangements as generating revenue or expense related to the traffic exchanged. Where we do not have a public or private settlement-free peering connection with an ISP, we exchange traffic through an intermediary, whereby such intermediary receives payment from us. Less than 2% of our traffic is handled this way.

Network Management and Control

Our primary network is enhanced by the number of cities whichoperations centers are connectedlocated in Washington, D.C. and Frankfurt. These facilities provide continuous operational support in both North America and Europe. Our network operations centers are designed to immediately respond to any problems in our network. However,To ensure the quick replacement of faulty equipment in the intra-city and long-haul networks, we must select marketshave deployed field engineers across North America and Europe. In addition, we have maintenance contracts with third party vendors that specialize in which network construction costoptical and routed networks.

Sales and Marketing

We employ a relationship-based sales and marketing approach. We believe this approach and our commitment to customer acquisition costs provide for an attractive return based uponservice increases the effectiveness of our product offering and pricing. Our solution will not be available to all customers throughout the U.S. but rather will be offered on a selected basis.

        Maintain a simple pricing model:sales efforts. We offermarket our services at prices that are competitive with traditional Internet service providers. Pricing for T1 Internet access today is comprisedthrough four primary sales channels as summarized below:

Direct Sales.   As of two components: (1) the local loop, which is purchased generally from the incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC), or a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and (2) the Internet port connection, which is typically provided by the Internet service provider. Our 100 megabits per second network access speed is substantially faster than typical connections offered by existing cable and telecommunications operators. We offerMarch 15, 2005, our 100 Mbps service at prices that can be lower than current prices for 1.5 Mbps service from traditional Internet service providers.

        Target small and medium-sized businesses with direct sales channel: Theforce included 66 full-time employees focused solely on acquiring and retaining on-net customers. Each member of our direct sales force is comprisedassigned a specific market or territory, based on customer type and geographic location. Of these direct sales force employees, 54 have individual quota responsibility. Direct sales personnel are compensated with a base salary plus quota-based commissions and incentives. Each net-centric sales professional is assigned all of individualsthe on-net carrier-neutral facilities in a major metropolitan area. We use a customer relationship management system to efficiently track activity levels and sales productivity in particular geographic areas. Furthermore, our sales personnel work through direct face-to-face contact with potential customers in, or intending to locate in, on-net buildings. Through agreements with building owners, we are able to initiate and maintain personal contact with our customers by staging various promotional and social events in our on-net buildings.

Telesales.   As of March 15, 2005, we employed 15 full-time outbound telemarketing sales personnel in Herndon, Virginia. Of these telesales employees, 12 have individual quota responsibility and two are assigned to customer retention. Telesales personnel are compensated with a base salary plus quota-based commissions and incentives.


Agent Program.   In the fall of 2004, we launched an agent program as an alternate channel to distribute our products and services. The agent program consists of value-added resellers, IT consultants, and smaller telecom agents, who are geographically dispersed throughout mostmanaged by our direct sales personnel, and larger national or regional companies whose primary business is to sell telecommunications, data, and Internet services. The agent program includes over 60 agents and started generating revenues for us towards the end of 2004.

Marketing.   As a result of our targeted markets. The retaildirect sales effortapproach, we have generally not spent funds on television, radio or print advertising. Our marketing efforts are designed to drive awareness of our products and services, identify qualified leads through various direct marketing campaigns and provide our sales force with product brochures, collateral materials and relevant sales tools to improve the overall effectiveness of our sales organization. In addition, we conduct public relations efforts focused on cultivating industry analyst and media relationships with the goal of securing media coverage and public recognition of our Internet communications services. Our marketing organization also is supported by an active programresponsible for our product strategy and direction based upon primary and secondary market research and the advancement of direct mail and tele-marketing, which is used to qualify potential leads for the field sales force. We directly market our services to our potential customers.new technologies.

        Pursue aggressive peering strategy: In order to connect to the public Internet, we use a combination of settlement-free peering and purchased transit capacity. We expect to reduce our transit purchase requirements as we accelerate our settlement-free peering strategy. Our network connects to other carriers networks at 15 geographically dispersed points.

Our Competitors

We face competition from incumbent carriers, Internet service providers and facilities-based network operators, many established competitors withof whom are much bigger than us, have significantly greater financial resources, well-establishedbetter-established brand names and large, existing installed customer bases.bases in the markets in which we compete. We also face competition from more recentother new entrants to the communications services market. Many of these companies offer products and services that are similar to our products and services, and we expect the level of competition to intensify in the future. Unlike some of our competitors, we do not have title to most of the dark fiber that makes up our network. Our interests in that dark fiber are in the form of long-term leases or IRUs obtained from their title holders. We are reliant on the maintenance of such dark fiber to provide our on-net services to customers. We are also dependent on third-party providers, some of whom are our competitors, for the provision of T1 or E1 lines to our off-net customers.

We believe that competition will beis based on many factors, including price, transmission speed, ease of access and use, breadth of service availability, reliability of service, customer support and brand recognition.

        In each market we serve, we face, and expect to continue to face, significant competition from the incumbent carriers, which currently dominate the local telecommunications markets. We compete with the incumbent carriers in our markets for local exchange services on the basis of product offerings, quality, capacity and reliability of network facilities, state-of-the-art technology, price, route diversity, ease of ordering and customer service. However, the incumbent carriers have long-standing relationships with their customers and provide those customers with various transmission and switching services that we, in many cases, do not currently offer. Because our fiber optic networks have been recently installed compared to those of the incumbent carriers, our state-of-the-art technology may

6



provide us with cost, capacity, and service quality advantages over some existing incumbent carrier networks.

In-building competitors

        Some competitors,networks; however, our network may not support some of the services supported by these legacy networks, such as Cypress Communications, XO Communications, Intellispace, Eureka, Everest Broadbandcircuit-switched voice and eLink,frame relay. While the Internet access speeds offered by traditional ISPs typically do not match our on-net offerings, these slower services usually are attempting to gain access to office buildings inpriced lower than our target markets. Some of these competitors are seeking to develop preferential relationships with building owners. To the extent these competitors are successful, we may face difficulties in building our networksofferings and marketing our services withinthus provide competitive pressure on pricing, particularly for more price-sensitive customers. Additionally, some of our target buildings. Our agreementscompetitors have recently emerged from bankruptcy. Because the bankruptcy process allows for the discharge of debts and rejection of certain obligations, we may have less of an advantage with respect to use utility shaft space (riser facilities) within buildings are generally not exclusive. An owner of any ofthese competitors. These and other downward pricing pressures have diminished, and may further diminish, the buildings in whichcompetitive advantages that we have rights to install a network could also give similar rights to oneenjoyed as the result of our competitors. Certain competitors already have rights to install networks in some ofservice pricing.

Regulation

In the buildings in which we have rights to install our networks. It will take a substantial amount of time to build networks in allUnited States, the buildings in which we intend to exercise our rights under our license agreements and master license agreements. Each building in which we do not build a network is particularly vulnerable to competitors. It is not clear whether it will be profitable for two or more different companies to operate networks within the same building. Therefore, it is critical that we build our networks in additional buildings quickly. Once we have done so, if a competitor installs a network in the same building, there will likely be substantial price competition.

Local telephone companies

        Incumbent local telephone companies, including regional Bell operating companies such as Verizon, SBC, Qwest and BellSouth, have several competitive strengths which may place us at a competitive disadvantage. These competitive strengths include an established brand name and reputation and significant capital to rapidly deploy or leverage existing communications equipment and broadband networks. Competitive local telephone companies often market their services to tenants of buildings within our target markets and selectively construct in-building facilities. Historically incumbent local telephone companies have not been required to compensate building owners for access and distribution rights within a targeted building.

Long distance companies

        Many of the leading long distance companies, such as AT&T, MCI WorldCom and Sprint, could begin to build their own in-building voice and data networks. The newer national long distance carriers, such as Level 3, Qwest and Williams Communications, are building and managing high speed fiber-based national voice and data networks, partnering with Internet service providers, and may extend their networks by installing in-building facilities and equipment.

Competitive local telephone companies

        Competitive local telephone companies often have broadband inter-building connections, market their services to tenants of large and medium-sized buildings, and selectively build in-building facilities.

Fixed wireless service providers

        Fixed wireless service providers, such as MCI WorldCom, XO Communications, First Avenue Communications, AT&T, Sprint, Terabeam, Teligent and Winstar, provide high-speed communications services to customers using microwave or other facilities or satellite earth stations on building rooftops.

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Internet service providers

        Internet service providers, such as United Online, AT&T WorldNet, EarthLink, Genuity, Prodigy, the UUNET subsidiary of MCI WorldCom, and Verio, provide traditional and high speed Internet access to residential and business customers, generally using the existing communications infrastructure. Digital subscriber line companies and/or their Internet service provider customers, such as AT&T and Covad, typically provide broadband Internet access using digital subscriber line technology, which enables data traffic to be transmitted over standard copper telephone lines at much higher speeds than these lines would normally allow. Providers, such as America Online, Microsoft Network, Prodigy and Earthlink, generally target the residential market and provide Internet connectivity, ease-of-use and a stable environment for modem connections.

Cable-based service providers

        Cable-based service providers, such as Roadrunner, RCN Communications, Grande Communications, Comcast and Charter Communications use cable television distribution systems to provide high capacity Internet access.

Other high-speed Internet service providers

        We may also lose potential customers to other high-speed Internet service. These include Yipes, Intellispace and Telseon, and are often characterized as Ethernet metropolitan access networks. These providers have targeted a similar customer base and have business strategies that have elements that parallel ours.

Regulation

        Cogent is subject to numerous local regulations such as building and electrical codes, licensing requirements, and construction requirements. These regulations vary on a city-by-city and county-by-county basis.

        The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates common carriers'carriers’ interstate services and state public utilities commissions exercise jurisdiction over intrastate basic telecommunications services. TheOur Internet service offerings are not currently regulated by the FCC and mostor any state public utility commissions do not regulate Internet service providers.commission. However, as we expand our offerings we may become subject to regulation in the U.S. at the federal and state levels and in other countries. The offerings of many of our competitors and vendors, especially incumbent local telephone companies, are subject to direct federal and state regulations. These regulations change from time to time in ways that are difficult for us to predict.


There is no current legal requirement that owners or managers of commercial office buildings give access to competitive providers of telecommunications services, although the FCC does prohibit carriers from entering contracts that restrict the right of commercial multiunit property owners to permit any other common carrier to access and serve the property'sproperty’s commercial tenants.

        There have been various statutes, regulations,Our subsidiary, Cogent Canada, offers voice and court cases relating to liabilityInternet services in Canada. Generally, the regulation of Internet service providersaccess services and other on-line service providers for information carried on or through theircompetitive voice services or equipment, includinghas been similar in Canada to that in the areasU.S. in that providers of copyright, indecency/obscenity, defamation,such services face fewer regulatory requirements than the incumbent local telephone company. This may change. Also, the Canadian government has requirements limiting foreign ownership of certain telecommunications facilities in Canada. We are not subject to these restrictions today. We will have to comply with these to the extent these regulations change and fraud. to the extent we begin using facilities in a manner that subjects us to these restrictions.

Our newly acquired European subsidiaries operate in a more highly regulated environment for the types of services they provide. In many Western European countries, a national license is required for the provision of data and Internet services. In addition, our subsidiaries operating in member countries of the European Union are subject to the directives and jurisdiction of the European Union. We believe that each of our subsidiaries has the necessary licenses to provide its services in the markets where it operates today. To the extent we expand our operations or service offerings in Europe or other new markets, we may face new regulatory requirements.

The laws in this arearelated to Internet telecommunications are unsettled and there may be new legislation and court decisions that may affect our services and expose us to liability. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Factors—Legislation and government regulation could adversely affect us."

Employees

        At December 31, 2001, we had 133 employees.

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ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

        We own no material real property. We are headquartered in facilities consisting of approximately 15,350 square feet in Washington, D.C., which we occupy under a lease with an entity controlled by our Chief Executive Officer, that expires on August 31, 2002. We also lease approximately 70,000 square feet of space in the metropolitan areas served to house the equipment that provides the connection between our backbone network and our metropolitan networks. These metropolitan hub sites average 3,000 square feet in size. The terms of their leases generally are for ten years with two five-year renewal options, at annual rents ranging from $13.50 to $75.00 per square foot. We believe that our facilities are generally in good condition and suitable for our operations.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        On July 26, 2001, in a case titled Hewlett-Packard Company v. Allied Riser Operations Corporation a/k/a Allied Riser Communications, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company filed a complaint against a subsidiary of Allied Riser, Allied Riser Operations Corporation, in the 95th Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas, seeking damages of $18.8 million, attorneys' fees, interest, and punitive damages relating to various types of equipment allegedly ordered from Hewlett-Packard Company by Allied Riser Operations Corporation. We believe that this suit is without merit and Allied Riser has filed its answer generally denying Hewlett-Packard's claims. We intend to continue to vigorously contest this lawsuit.

        On January 16, 2002, Allied Riser received a letter from Hewlett-Packard Company alleging that certain unspecified contracts are in arrears, and demanding payment in the amount of $10.0 million. The letter does not discuss the basis for the claims or whether the funds sought are different from or in addition to the funds sought in the July 26, 2001 lawsuit. Allied Riser, through its legal counsel, has made an inquiry of Hewlett-Packard's counsel to determine the basis for the claims in the letter. We believe this claim is without merit and intend to vigorously contest this claim.

        On December 12, 2001 Allied Riser announced that certain holders of its 7.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007 filed notices as a group with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Schedule 13D including copies of documents indicating that such group had filed suit in Delaware Chancery Court on December 6, 2001 against Allied Riser and its board of directors. The suit alleges, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties and default by Allied Riser under the indenture related to the notes, and requested injunctive relief to prohibit Allied Riser's merger with Cogent. The plaintiffs amended their complaint on January 11, 2002 and subsequently served it on Allied Riser. On January 28, 2002 the Court held a hearing on a motion by the plaintiffs to preliminarily enjoin the merger. On January 31, 2002 the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion denying that motion. We believe that the suit is without merit, and intend to continue to vigorously contest this lawsuit.

        On February 21, 2002, the Division of Enforcement of the SEC requested that we voluntarily provide it certain documents related to the fairness opinion delivered to the Allied Riser board of directors by Allied Riser's financial advisor, Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin on August 28, 2001, and our Series C preferred stock financing. We are complying with the request. The SEC has not informed us as to the reason for its request.

        On March 27, 2002, certain holders of Allied Riser's notes filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code against Allied Riser in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. It is unclear on the face of the petition the exact nature or specifics of the claim, and the petition does not name Cogent as a party or otherwise. We note, however, that pursuant to the terms of the supplemental indenture related to the notes, Cogent is a co-obligor of the notes. We believe that the claim is without merit and intend to file a motion to dismiss it and otherwise vigorously contest it. We do not believe that this claim will have a material adverse effect on our business.

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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2001, we were not a reporting company under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and were not subject to the proxy and consent solicitation requirements promulgated under the Act. In that period, our security holders acted by written consent on two occasions.

        On October 24, 2001, our security holders acted by written consent to:

    adopt, approve, ratify and confirm the terms and conditions of the amendment to our credit facility with Cisco Systems Capital Corporation and related documents; and

    authorize, empower and direct us to enter into the amendment to the credit facility.

        On October 16, 2001, our security holders acted by written consent to:

    adopt and approve our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation;

    approve the terms and conditions of, and authorize the consummation of our Series C preferred stock financing; and

    amend the 2000 equity incentive plan to increase the shares of our common stock available under the plan.

        In the same written consent:

    the holders of our preferred stock waived their rights to participation and any notice periods with respect to the issuance of and sale of our Series C preferred stock;

    the holders our Series A preferred stock acted to amend the Series A Stock Purchase Agreement; and

    the holders our Series B preferred stock acted to amend the Series B Stock Purchase Agreement.

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    PART II

    ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

            Our common stock is currently traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "COI." Prior to February 5, 2002 and during the year ended December 31, 2001, no established public trading market for the common stock existed.

            As of March 25, 2002, there were approximately 148 holders of record of shares of our common stock, which excludes beneficial owners of shares held in "street name." A significant number of shares of our common stock are held in nominee name for beneficial owners.

            We have not paid any dividends on our common stock since inception and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon then existing conditions, including our financial condition, results of operations, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects, and other factors our board of directors deems relevant and is subject to the prior payment of 8% dividend to Series C preferred stock. Additionally, our credit agreement with Cisco Systems prohibits us from paying cash dividends and restricts our ability to make other distributions to our stockholders.

            Set forth in chronological order is information regarding all securities sold and employee stock options granted by Cogent during the year ended December 31, 2001. Further included is the consideration, if any, received by Cogent for such securities, and information relating to the section of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission under which exemption from registration was claimed. All awards of options did not involve any sale under the Securities Act. None of these securities were registered under the Securities Act. No sale of securities involved the use of an underwriter and no commissions were paid in connection with the sales of any securities.

    1.
    At various times during the year ended December 31, 2001, Cogent granted to employees and directors options to purchase an aggregate of 822,072 shares of Common Stock with exercise prices ranging from $2.00 per share to $15.00 per share.

    2.
    On October 15, 2001, we issued 49,773,402 shares of Series C preferred stock for an aggregate purchase price of $62.0 million to certain holders of our Series B preferred stock and a certain new investors including our Chief Executive Officer, David Schaeffer who purchased 1,604,235 shares. The purchase price for such shares was paid in cash at the time of the issuance of the Series C preferred stock. The sale of the Series C preferred stock did not involve the use of an underwriter and was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1993 as amended.

    3.
    On October 24, 2001, we entered into a Credit Facility with Cisco Systems Capital Corporation. The facility included the issuance of warrants to Cisco Capital to purchase five percent of our common stock, on a fully-diluted basis. The exercise price of the warrants to purchase 710,216 shares of our common stock was based upon the most recent significant equity transaction, as defined in the facility, and ranged from $12.47 to $30.44 per share.

            The issuances and resales of the securities above were made in reliance on one or more exemptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, including those provided by Section 4(2) of the Act, Regulations D and E and the Rules promulgated thereunder. The purchasers of these securities represented that they had adequate access, through their employment with us or otherwise, to information about Cogent.

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            On February 4, 2002, we completed our merger with Allied Riser Communications Corporation. The registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the merger (File No. 333-71684) was declared effective on January 8, 2002. No underwriters participated in the merger.

            In connection with the merger, we registered 2,192,219 shares of our common stock $0.001 par value. Stockholders of Allied Riser received approximately 0.0321679 shares of our common stock for each share of Allied Riser common stock that they owned, and, as a result, the former Allied Riser stockholders now own approximately 13.4% of the outstanding shares of our common stock on a fully diluted basis.

            As of March 25, 2002, we had incurred estimated expenses of $1.1 million with respect to the merger. None of those expenses were underwriting discounts, commissions, finders fees or expenses or direct or indirect payments to directors, officers, general partners of Cogent or their affiliates or to persons owning 10% or more of any class of equity securities of Cogent or to affiliates of Cogent:

            There were no proceeds from the merger.


    ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

            The annual financial information set forth below has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K and does not include amounts related to the merger with Allied Riser. The information should be read in connection with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Cogent's financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Cogent was

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    incorporated on August 9, 1999. Accordingly, no financial information prior to August 9, 1999 is available.

     
     Years Ended December 31,
     
    (dollars in thousands)

     
     1999
     2000
     2001
     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:          
     Service revenue $ $ $3,018 
     Expenses:          
     Cost of network operations    3,040  19,990 
      Amortization of deferred compensation — cost of network operations      307 
     Selling, general, and administrative  82  10,845  27,322 
      Amortization of deferred compensation — SG&A      2,958 
     Depreciation and amortization    338  13,535 
      
     
     
     
     Total operating expenses  82  14,223  64,112 
      
     
     
     
     
    Operating loss

     

     

    (82

    )

     

    (14,223

    )

     

    (61,094

    )
     Interest income (expense), net    2,328  (6,031)
     Other income    134  212 
      
     
     
     
     Net loss  (82) (11,761) (66,913)
     Beneficial conversion charge related to preferred stock      (24,168)
      
     
     
     
     Net loss applicable to common stock  (82) (11,761) (91,081)
      
     
     
     
     Net loss per common share — basic and diluted $(0.06)$(8.51)$(64.78)
      
     
     
     
     Weighted-average common shares — basic and diluted  1,360,000  1,382,360  1,406,007 

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     Cash and cash equivalents $ $65,593 $49,017 
     Working capital  18  52,621  46,579 
     Total assets  25  187,740  319,769 
     Preferred stock    115,901  177,246 
     Stockholders' equity  18  104,248  110,214 

    OTHER OPERATING DATA:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
     EBITDA $(82)$(13,885)$(44,294)
     Net cash used in operating activities  (75) (16,370) (46,786)
     Net cash used in investing activities    (80,989) (131,652)
     Net cash provided by financing activities  75  162,952  161,862 

            As used in the table above, EBITDA consists of net loss excluding net interest and other income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and amortization of deferred compensation. We believe that, because EBITDA is a measure of financial performance, it is useful to investors as an indicator of a company's ability to fund its operations and to service or incur debt. EBITDA is not a measure calculated under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Other companies may calculate EBITDA differently. It is not an alternative to operating income as an indicator of our operating performance or an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity and investors should consider these measures as well. We do not expect to generate positive EBITDA in the near term. We anticipate that our discretionary use of EBITDA, if any, generated from our operations in the foreseeable future will be restricted by our need to build our infrastructure and expand our business. To the extent that EBITDA is available for these purposes, our requirements for outside financing will be reduced. All share and per-share data in the table above reflects the ten-for-one reverse stock split that occurred in connection with our merger with Allied Riser.

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    ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

            You should read the following discussion together with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in the prospectus. The results below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future period. Certain matters discussed below are forward-looking statements. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."

      General Overview

            Cogent was formed on August 9, 1999 as a Delaware corporation. Our primary activities to date have included recruiting employees, obtaining financing, branding and marketing our products, obtaining customer orders and building access rights, designing and constructing our fiber-optic network and facilities, and providing customer support.

            We began invoicing our customers for our services in April 2001. We provide our high-speed Internet access service to our customers for a fixed monthly fee. We recognize service revenue in the month in which the service is provided. Customer cash receipts for service received in advance of revenue earned is recorded as deferred revenue and recognized over the service period or, in the case of installation charges, over the estimated customer life.

            As Cogent began to serve customers, we began to incur additional elements of network operations costs, including building access agreement fees, network maintenance costs and transit costs. Transit costs include the costs of transporting our customers' Internet traffic to and from networks that compose the Internet and with which we do not have a direct settlement-free peering agreement.

      Recent Developments

            Merger with Allied Riser Communications Corporation.    On August 28, 2001, we entered into an agreement to merge with Allied Riser Communications Corporation. Allied Riser is a facilities-based provider of broadband data and video communication services to small- and medium-sized businesses located in selected buildings in North America, including Canada. The merger agreement was amended on October 13, 2001. Upon the closing of the merger on February 4, 2002, Cogent issued approximately 13.4% of its common stock, on a fully diluted basis, to the existing Allied Riser stockholders. The merger required Cogent to assume the outstanding obligations of Allied Riser as of the closing date. As of December 31, 2001, these obligations included, among other amounts, approximately $117.0 million2004, we had 297 employees. Twenty three of Allied Riser's convertible notesour employees in France are represented by a works counsel and approximately $42 million in commitments for operating leasea union. We believe at this time that we have satisfactory relations with our employees.

    Available Information

    We make available free of charge through our Internet website our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and capital lease obligations. Asany amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of December 31, 2001, Allied Riser had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $78.1 million.

            Acquisition of NetRail Inc. Assets.    On September 6, 2001, Cogent acquired for approximately $11.9 million the major assets of NetRail, Inc.Exchange Act. The reports are made available through a sale conducted under Chapter 11 oflink to the United States Bankruptcy Code. The assets include certain customer contractsSEC’s Internet web site at www.sec.gov. You can find these reports and the related accounts receivable, customer circuits, network equipment, and settlement-free peering arrangements with Tier-1 Internet service providers. NetRail's facilities and traffic have been integrated with our network. Cogent anticipates reduced costs of network operations from the availability of NetRail's Tier-1 settlement-free peering arrangements and an increase in our revenues derived from the customers obtained in the acquisition.

            Reduction in Employees.    On October 9, 2001, Cogent reduced its staff by approximately 50 employees and re-aligned portions of its organizational structure to streamline its operations and better focus its activities.

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            Sale of Series C Preferred Stock.    On October 15, 2001, Cogent sold approximately 49.8 million shares of its Series C preferred for $62.0 million inrequest a private transaction. In connection with the Series C preferred stock issuance, the conversion pricecopy of our Series B preferred stock was adjusted pursuant toCode of Ethics on our website at www.cogentco.com under the anti-dilution provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. The result was that Series B preferred stock is convertible into approximately 590,000 additional shares of common stock.“Investor Relations” link.

            Potential Acquisition of PSINet Assets.Risk Factors    On January 14, 2001, Cogent entered into a due diligence agreement to evaluate the possibility of purchasing select assets out of bankruptcy from PSINet. Cogent subsequently concluded its due diligence and in February 2002 entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement to purchase a portion of the US assets of PSINet. On March 27, 2002, the bankruptcy court approved the sale. The transaction is expected to close in April 2002. This acquisition, if completed, will add a new element to Cogent's operations in that we will begin operating a more traditional Internet service provider business, with lower speed connections provided by leased circuits.

            Metromedia Fiber Networks (MFN) and Other Telecommunications Companies.    One of our suppliers of metropolitan fiber optic facilities, MFN, has announced that it may file for bankruptcy in April 2002. This would impactIf our operations mostly by decreasingdo not produce positive cash flow to pay for our growth or meet our operating and financing obligations, and we are unable to otherwise raise additional capital to meet these needs, our ability to add new metropolitan fiber rings from MFN andimplement our ability to add new buildings to existing MFN rings. However, as we have other providers of metropolitan fiber optic facilities we do not anticipate a significant impact on our operations from MFN's bankruptcy.

            MFN's financial difficulties are characteristic of the telecommunications industry today. Several of our vendors, including Williams Communications, Level 3 and Qwest, have been reported in the financial press to be experiencing financial difficulties. We do not expect Williams' difficulties to impact us because Williams has completed delivery of our national fiber optic backbone. Our solution for metropolitan networks is to have a large number of providers and to develop the ability to construct our own fiber optic connections to the buildings we serve.

            On March 27, 2002, certain holders of Allied Riser's convertible subordinated notes due 2007 filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code against Allied Riser in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. This development is discussed in greater detail in "Legal Proceedings" and elsewhere in this section.

    Results of Operations

    Year Ended December 31, 2001 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2000

            Revenue.    Revenue for the year ending December 31, 2001 was $3.0 million compared to no revenue for the year ending December 31, 2000. We began invoicing our customers in April 2001. Revenue related to the customer contracts acquired in the NetRail acquisition was $1.2 million for the period from September 7, 2001 to December 31, 2001.

            Network Operations.    Network operations costs for the year ended December 31, 2001 were primarily comprised of five elements:

      temporary leased transmission capacity incurred for certain segments until the nationwide fiber-optic intercity network was placed in service;

      the cost of leased network equipment sites and facilities;

      salaries and related expenses of employees directly involved with Cogent's network activities;

      transit charges—amounts paid to service providers for connecting to the Internet

      building access agreement fees paid to landlords; and

    15


        maintenance charges related to Cogent's nationwide fiber-optic intercity network and metro rings.

              The cost of network operations was $20.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The cost of network operations for the year ended December 31, 2001 includes approximately $0.3 million of amortization of deferred compensation. We believe that the cost of network operations will increase as Cogent continues to construct its network, acquire additional office building access agreements, and service an increasing number of customers. The cost of temporary leased transmission capacity was $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $0.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2000. These costs were incurred until the remaining segments of Cogent's nationwide fiber-optic intercity network were placed in service. Cogent cancelled the one remaining leased-line segment in December 2001. As this leased capacity of the network was replaced with Cogent's dark fiber IRUs, the related cost of network operations decreased and depreciation and amortization expense increased. As of December 31, 2001, all of the approximately 12,500 route miles of the nationwide fiber-optic intercity network had been delivered to Cogent.

              Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, primarily include salaries and the related administrative costs associated with an increase in the number of employees. SG&A increased to $30.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. SG&A for the year ended December 31, 2001 includes approximately $3.0 million of amortization of deferred compensation. SG&A expenses increased primarily from an increase in employees and related expenses required to support Cogent's growth. We had 133 employees at December 31, 2001 versus 186 employees at December 31, 2000. On October 9, 2001, Cogent reduced its staff by approximately 50 employees and re-aligned portions of its organizational structure to streamline its operations and better focus its activities. The weighted-average number of employees for 2001 was 210. Cogent capitalizes the salaries and related benefits of employees directly involved with its construction activities. Cogent began capitalizing these costs in July 2000 and will continue to capitalize these costs while its network is under construction. Cogent believes that SG&A expenses will continue to increase primarily due to the expected growth in the number of employees and related costs required to support its operations and customers.

              Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $13.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. These expenses represent the depreciation of the capital equipment required to support Cogent's network and the amortization of the Company's IRU's. These amounts increased because Cogent had more capital equipment and IRU's in service in 2001 than in the same period in 2000. Cogent begins the depreciation and amortization of its capital assets once the related assets are placed in service. Cogent believes that future depreciation and amortization expense will continue to increase due to the acquisition of additional network equipment, existing equipment being placed in service, and the amortization of Cogent's capital lease IRUs.

              Interest Income and Expense.    Interest income decreased to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. Interest income relates to interest earned on Cogent's marketable securities. Cogent's marketable securities consisted of money market accounts and commercial paper. The reduction in interest income is primarily due to a reduction in interest rates for 2001 compared to 2000.

              Interest expense increased to $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase in interest expense results from an increase in borrowings in 2001 partially offset by a reduction in interest rates and an increase in capitalized interest. Interest expense relates to interest charged on Cogent's borrowing on its vendor financing facility and its capital lease agreements. Cogent began borrowing under its credit facility with Cisco

      16



      Capital in August 2000 and had borrowed $181.3 million at December 31, 2001 and $67.2 million at December 31, 2000. Cogent incurred $24.0 million and $47.9 million of capital lease obligations related to IRUs for the years ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. Cogent capitalized $4.4 million of interest for the year ended December 31, 2001 and $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. Cogent began capitalizing interest in July 2000 and will continue to capitalize interest expense while its network is under construction. Borrowings accrue interest at the three-month LIBOR rate, established at the beginning of each calendar quarter, plus a stated margin.

              Income Taxes.    Cogent recorded no income tax expense or benefit for the year ended December 31, 2001 or the year ended December 31, 2000. The federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $71.0 million at December 31, 2001 expire between 2019 and 2021. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of the Company's net operating losses and its other deferred tax assets, Cogent has recorded a valuation allowance for the full amount of its net deferred tax asset. For federal and state tax purposes, Cogent's net operating loss carry-forwards could be subject to certain limitations on annual utilization if certain changes in ownership were to occur as defined by federal and state tax laws. Should Cogent achieve profitability, its net deferred tax asset may be available to offset future income tax liabilities.

              Earnings Per Share.    Basic and diluted net loss per common share applicable to common stock increased to $(64.78) for the year ended December 31, 2001 from $(8.51) for the year ended December 31, 2000. The net loss applicable to common stock for the year ended December 31, 2001 includes a $24.2 million non-cash beneficial conversion charge related to the Company's Series B preferred stock. The weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding increased to 1,406,007 shares at December 31, 2001 from 1,382,360 shares at December 31, 2000, due to exercises of options for Cogent's common stock.

              For the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, options to purchase 608,136 and 1,157,920 shares of common stock at weighted-average exercise prices of $9.90 and $5.30 per share, respectively, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2000 and 2001, 45,809,783, and 95,583,185 shares of preferred stock, which were convertible into 4,580,978, and 10,148,309 shares of common stock respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. For the year ended December 31, 2001, warrants for 710,216 shares of common stock, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as a result of their anti-dilutive effect.

      Year Ended December 31, 2000 Compared to the Period from Inception (August 9, 1999) to December 31, 1999

              Revenue.    We began recognizing revenue and invoicing our customers in April 2001. Therefore, there was no reported revenue for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the period from inception (August 9, 1999) to December 31, 1999.

              Network Operations.    Network operations costs for 2000 primarily included five elements:

        temporary leased transmission capacity costs;

        the cost of leased network equipment sites and facilities;

        salaries and related expenses of employees directly involved with Cogent's network activities;

        building access agreement fees paid to landlords multi-tenant office buildings; and

        maintenance charges related to Cogent's nationwide fiber-optic intercity network.

              The cost of network operations was $3.0 million in 2000 and there were no such costs in 1999. Cogent believes that cost of network operations will increase as Cogent continues to construct its

      17



      network, acquire additional office building access agreements, and service its customers. The cost of temporary leased private-line transmission capacity was $0.9 million for 2000 and there were no such costs in 1999. As this leased capacity of the network was replaced with Cogent's dark fiber IRUs, the related cost of network operations decreased and depreciation and amortization expense increased. As of December 31, 2000 approximately 5,100 route miles of the approximately 12,500 route miles ordered by Cogent had been delivered.

              Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.    SG&A expenses increased from $0.08 million for the period from inception (August 9, 1999) to December 31, 1999 to $10.8 million in 2000. SG&A expenses increased primarily due to an increase in employees and related expenses required to support Cogent's growth. Cogent had 186 employees at December 31, 2000 versus three employees at December 31, 1999.

              Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.3 million in 2000 and there was no depreciation and amortization expense in 1999. These expenses represent the depreciation of the capital equipment required to support Cogent's network and there was no capital equipment in 1999. Cogent begins the depreciation and amortization of its capital assets once the related assets are placed in service and it believes that future depreciation and amortization expense will continue to increase due to the acquisition of additional network equipment and the amortization of Cogent's capital lease IRUs.

              Interest Income and Expense.    Interest income was $3.4 million in 2000 and there was no interest income in 1999. Interest income relates to interest earned on Cogent's marketable securities. Marketable securities at December 31, 2000 consisted of money market accounts and commercial paper all with original maturities of three months or less.

              Interest expense was $1.1 million in 2000 and there was no interest expense in 1999. Interest expense relates to interest charged on Cogent's borrowing on a financing facility provided by Cisco Capital and capital lease agreements. Cogent began borrowing under its vendor credit facility in August 2000 and had borrowed $67.2 million at December 31, 2000. Borrowings accrue interest at the three-month LIBOR rate, established at the beginning of each calendar quarter, plus a stated margin. Cogent incurred $47.9 million of capital lease obligations in 2000 related to its 30-year IRUs for its nationwide fiber optic intercity network. Cogent capitalized $3.0 million of interest expense in 2000. Cogent will continue to capitalize interest expense while its network is under construction.

              Income Taxes.    Cogent recorded no income tax expense or benefit for 2000 or 1999. Cogent's federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of $9.6 million at December 31, 2000 expire between 2019 and 2020. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of the Company's net operating losses and its other deferred tax assets, Cogent has recorded a valuation allowance for the full amount of its net deferred tax asset. Should Cogent achieve profitability, its net deferred tax asset may be available to offset future income tax liabilities. For federal and state tax purposes, Cogent's net operating loss carry-forwards could be subject to certain limitations on annual utilization if certain changes in ownership were to occur as defined by federal and state tax laws.

              Earnings Per Share.    Basic and diluted net loss per common share increased to $(8.51) for 2000 from $(0.06) in 1999. The weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding increased to 1,382,360 shares at December 31, 2000 from 1,360,000 shares at December 31, 1999, due to exercises of options for Cogent's common stock. For the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, options to purchase 608,136 and 46,950 shares of common stock at weighted-average exercise prices of $9.90 and $0.10 per share, respectively, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2000, 45,809,783 shares of preferred stock, which are convertible into 4,580,978 shares of common stock, were not included in the computation of diluted

      18



      earnings per share as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. There was no preferred stock outstanding in 1999.

      Liquidity and Capital Resources

              Since inception, we have primarily funded our operations and capital expenditures through private equity financing, long-term debt, and equipment financing arrangements. As of December 31, 2001, we have raised $177.0 million of private equity funding, obtained a credit facility for borrowings of up to $409.0 million and have capital lease obligations outstanding at December 31, 2001 of approximately $21.1 million. Our current cash and cash equivalents position and short-term investments totaling $50.8 million are an additional source of our liquidity.

              Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities.    Net cash used in operating activities increased to $46.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to a use of $16.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. This increase is primarily due to an increase in the net loss to $66.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 from a net loss of $11.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. These net losses are offset by depreciation and amortization and changes in assets and liabilities of a positive $20.1 million and negative $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively.

              Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities.    Investing activities include the purchases of property and equipment and for the year ended December 31, 2001 and the purchase of the NetRail assets for $11.9 million. Purchases of property and equipment increased to $118.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to $81.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase is primarily due to purchases of network equipment under the Cisco credit facility of $79.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. We had purchases of short-term investments of $1.7 million for 2001.

              Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities.    Financing activities provided $161.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $163.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. We received proceeds from borrowing $78.6 million in equipment loans and $29.0 million in a working capital loan under the credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2001. In 2001, we also entered into $6.4 million in loans to fund interest and fees related to the credit facility. Borrowings under the credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2000 included $67.2 million of equipment loans. For the year ended December 31, 2000, we received net proceeds of $116.0 million from the issuance of preferred stock. This included net proceeds of $25.9 million for the issuance of Series A preferred stock in February 2000 and $90.0 million from the proceeds of Series B preferred stock paid in June and July 2000. For the year ended December 31, 2001, we received net proceeds of $61.3 million from the issuance of Series C preferred stock. The liquidation preference at December 31, 2001, of our preferred stock was $228.4 million. Principal repayments of capital lease obligations were $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to $37.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2000.

              In connection with our product and service agreement with Cisco, Cisco agreed to pay us a total of $22.5 million, with $16.9 million paid in 2000 and $5.6 million paid in 2001. These payments are recorded as a deferred equipment discount and classified as a reduction of the costs of network equipment. The deferred equipment discount is being amortized as a reduction to depreciation expense over a seven-year period as the related equipment is placed in service.

              On October 15, 2001, we sold $62.0 million of our Series C preferred stock in a private transaction. In connection with the Series C preferred stock issuance, the conversion price of our of Series B preferred stock was adjusted pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. As a result the Series B preferred stock can be converted into

      19



      approximately 590,000 additional shares of our common stock. This beneficial conversion feature resulted in a $24.2 million non-cash charge recorded during the fourth quarter of 2001.

              Credit Facility.    In October 2001, we entered into an agreement with Cisco Systems Capital Corporation (Cisco Capital) under which Cisco Capital agreed to enter into a $409.0 million credit facility with us. This credit facility replaced the existing $310.0 million credit facility between Cisco Capital and us. Borrowings under the facility become available in increments subject to our satisfaction of certain operational and financial covenants over time. Up to $25.0 million is available for equipment loans through June 30, 2002, of which $1.3 million was borrowed as of December 31, 2001. An additional $100.0 million of equipment loans becomes available on July 1, 2002. Up to $16.0 million is available to fund interest and fees related to the facility through June 30, 2002 of which $6.4 million was borrowed as of December 31, 2001. An additional $59.0 million for funding interest and fees related to the facility becomes available on July 1, 2002. An additional $35.0 million in working capital loans becomes available on July 1, 2002. The aggregate balance of working capital loans is limited to 35% of outstanding equipment loans. Borrowings under the facility for the purchase of products and working capital are available until December 31, 2004. Borrowings under the facility for the funding of interest and fees are available until December 31, 2005.

              In connection with the merger with Allied Riser, certain of the facility's covenants were renegotiated. The current covenants include the following:

        Beginning on December 31, 2003, our ratio of consolidated funded debt to EBITDA must not exceed a maximum threshold. This maximum ratio begins at 11.6:1 on December 31, 2003 and declines by March 31, 2008 to 0.6:1.

        We must meet minimum revenue thresholds. From January 31, 2002 to May 31, 2002, Cogent must meet monthly revenue thresholds beginning at $755,000, and increasing to $1,855,000. Beginning on June 30, 2002, Cogent must meet quarterly thresholds of annualized revenue. These targets begin at $26,700,000 and gradually increase to $681,700,000 by December 31, 2007, and $609,900,000 thereafter.

        Beginning June 30, 2002, we must meet minimum EBITDA thresholds for the trailing four quarters. These thresholds begin at $(45,200,000) as of June 30, 2002, peaking at $238,500,000 as of June 30, 2005, before decreasing to $155,000,000 as of March 31, 2008 and thereafter.

        Beginning December 31, 2003, our ratio of EBITDA to interest expense, measured as described in the agreement, must meet a minimum threshold for each quarter. This minimum ratio begins at 0.3:1 on September 30, 2003 and increases to 4.2:1 by December 31, 2004, before decreasing to 1.2:1 by June 30, 2006. After June 30, 2006, this threshold varies between 1.2:1 and 1.0:1.

        Beginning June 30, 2002, our ratio of consolidated funded debt to capitalization must not exceed a maximum percentage, which starts at 71% as of June 30, 2002, and decreases to 50% as of September 30, 2007 and thereafter.

        We must meet minimum thresholds for customers—counting as separate customers offices of any individual customers that are located in separate buildings. This threshold is 231 as of January 31, 2002, increasing to 25,168 by March 31, 2008.

        We must maintain minimum cash reserves, starting with $53,900,000 as of June 30, 2002. This minimum threshold varies each quarter until June 30, 2004, when it begins to increase gradually from $64,100,000 to $284,500,000 by March 31, 2007.

        We must meet minimum requirement for nodes connected to its network. This threshold is 162 as of January 31, 2002, increasing to 2,356 by March 31, 2008.

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          We may not make capital expenditures on an annualized basis in excess of a maximum amount that varies for each year. This maximum amount is $66,600,000 for the year ending December 31, 2002, increasing to $115,200,000 by the year ending December 31, 2005, before decreasing to $77,600,000 for the year ended December 31, 2007 and thereafter.

                For loans outstanding prior to entering into the October 2001 facility, the applicable interest rate is LIBOR, or the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus 4.5% per annum. For loans issued after entering into the October 2001 facility, the applicable interest rate is LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 6.5% currently, down to 2.0%, depending upon our EBITDA—or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization—and leverage ratio—or its ratio or consolidated funded debt to EBITDA.

                In connection with this agreement, we granted to Cisco Capital rights which, together with the warrants issued to Cisco Capital under the previous credit agreement, will permit Cisco Capital to acquire up to 5% of the fully diluted common stock of Cogent. All warrants are exercisable for eight years from the grant date at exercise prices ranging from $12.47 to $30.44 per share, with the weighted-average exercise price of $18.10.

                The credit facility is secured by the pledge of all of our assets. The credit facility also includes a closing fee, facility fee and a quarterly commitment fee on the underlying commitment. Borrowings are permitted to be prepaid at any time without penalty and are subject to mandatory prepayment based upon excess cash flow or, in certain circumstances, upon the receipt of proceeds from the sale of our debt or equity securities, and other events, such as asset sales. Principal payments on the credit facility begin in March 2005 andbusiness plan will be completed by December 2008. The $409.0 million credit facility will mature on December 31, 2008.materially and adversely affected.

                We are currently in compliance with all conditions, restrictions, and covenants contained in the Cisco credit facility. The facility is only partially available until June 30, 2002 and, assuming we remain in compliance with the covenants on that date, the entire facility will be available at that time, enabling us to fund our anticipated level of operations through the end of 2002. If the Cisco facility becomes unavailable, at any point in time, we may not have sufficient funds to fund current or anticipated levels of operation through December 2002.

                Product and Service Agreement with Cisco Systems.    We have entered into an agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc. for the purchase of a total of $270.0 million of networking equipment for our network. Under this Cisco supply agreement, we are obligated to purchase all of our networking equipment from Cisco until September 2003 and specified amounts through December 2004 unless Cisco cannot offer a competitive product at a reasonable price and on reasonable terms. If another supplier offers such products with material functionality or features that are not available from Cisco at a comparable price, we may purchase those products from the other supplier, and such purchases will not be included in determining our compliance with Cisco minimum purchase obligations. The majority of our network equipment has been obtained from Cisco.

                The Cisco supply agreement provides for certain discounts against the list prices for Cisco equipment. The agreement also requires us to meet certain minimum purchase requirements each year during the four-year initial term of the agreement, provided that Cisco is not in default under the credit facility between Cisco and us. We have satisfied the minimum requirement through December 31, 2001. For 2002, 2003 and 2004, we must meet minimum purchase requirements of $29,500,000, $42,400,000 and $45,500,000, respectively. In addition, we purchase from Cisco technical support and assistance with respect to the Cisco hardware and software purchased under the supply agreement. As of December 31, 2001, we had purchased and ordered approximately $153.0 million towards this commitment.

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                Our contractual cash obligations are as follows:

         
         Payments due by period
        (in thousands)

         Total
         Less than
        1 year

         1-3 years
         4-5 years
         After 5 years
        Contractual Cash Obligations               
         Long term debt $181,312 $ $ $60,871 $120,441
         Capital lease obligations  44,815  2,253  4,506  4,506  33,550
         Operating leases  159,971  12,675  24,001  21,801  101,494
         Unconditional purchase obligations  178,707  33,201  95,303  7,403  42,800
          
         
         
         
         
         Total contractual cash obligations  564,805  48,129  123,810  94,581  298,285
          
         
         
         
         

                Future Capital Requirements.    Our future capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including our success in increasing the number of customers using our services and the number of buildings we serve, the expenses associated with the build-out of our network, regulatory changes, competition, technological developments, potential merger and acquisition activity and the economy's ability to recover from the recent downturn. We believe our available liquidity resources, assuming the availability of our Cisco credit facility, will be sufficient to fund our operating needs at least through the end of our next fiscal year. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong. For example, future capital requirements will change from current estimates to the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, assets, products and technologies. Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations and capital expenditures is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary as a result of a number of factors, including those discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors", below. Until we can generate sufficient levels ofpositive cash flow from our operations, which we do not expect to achieve for several years, we will continue to rely on our cash reserves and, potentially, additional equity financing and our credit facilitydebt financings to provide us withmeet our cash needs. We cannot assure you that this financing will be available on terms favorable to us or our stockholders, or at all. Insufficient funds may require us to delay or scale back the build-out of our network or to restructure our business. If additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, substantial dilution to existing stockholders may result.

                The February 4, 2002 merger with Allied Riser required us to assume the outstanding obligations of Allied Riser as of the closing date. As of December 31, 2001, these obligations include, among other amounts, $117.0 million of Allied Riser's convertible notes and approximately $42.0 million in commitments for operating and capital lease obligations. As of December 31, 2001, Allied Riser had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $78.1 million.

                Allied Riser's notes may become immediately due if the merger is deemed to be a "change in control," as defined by the related indenture. On March 25, 2002, certain of the holders of the notes asserted to us that the merger constituted a change of control, and that as a result an event of default had occurred under the indenture. On March 27, 2002, based on such assertions, the Trustee under the indenture notified us that the principal amount of the notes and accrued interest is immediately due and payable. We do not believe that the merger would qualify as a change in control as defined in the indenture and are vigorously disputing the noteholders' assertion. However, in the event that the merger is deemed to be a change in control, we could be required by the noteholders to repurchase $117.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes and to pay them accrued interest. We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to do this if we are required to do so. If we are unable to repurchase the notes and pay the accrued interest, we will be in default of the indenture and our obligations under our credit facility could become due and payable.

                Additionally, on March 27, 2002, certain holders of Allied Riser's notes filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code against Allied Riser in

        22



        United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. It is unclear on the face of the petition the exact nature or specifics of the claim, and the petition does not name Cogent as a party or otherwise. We believe that the claim is without merit and intend to file a motion to dismiss it and otherwise vigorously contest it.

          Recent Accounting Pronouncements

                In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 141 addresses financial accounting and reporting for business combinations. All business combinations in the scope of this Statement will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The provisions of SFAS No. 141 apply to all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, and business combinations accounted for by the purchase method for which the date of acquisition is July 1, 2001, or later. SFAS No. 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under this Statement, goodwill will no longer be amortized but will be tested for impairment at least annually at the reporting unit level. Goodwill will be tested for impairment on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Intangible assets which remain subject to amortization will be reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." The provisions of SFAS No. 142 are required to be applied starting with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.

                In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 supersedes FASB No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," but retains that statement's fundamental provisions for recognition and measurement of impairment of long-lived assets to be held and used and measurement of long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale. SFAS No. 144 also supersedes the accounting/reporting provisions of APB Opinion No. 30 for segments of a business to be disposed of, but retains APB 30's requirement to report discontinued operations separately from continuing operations and extends that reporting to a component of an entity that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale. The Company is in the process of evaluating the financial statement impact of adoption of SFAS No. 144.

        Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates

                The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments based upon estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain. Such judgments affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management continuously evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including those related to allowances for doubtful accounts, long-lived assets, contingencies and litigation, and the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

                The following is a summary of our most critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

          We recognize service revenue in the month in which the service is provided. All expenses related to services provided are expensed as incurred. Cash received in advance of revenue earned is recorded as deferred revenue and is recognized over the service period or, in the case of installation fees, the estimated customer life.

        23


            We reserve for doubtful accounts based upon an analysis of the collectibility of the accounts receivable at the end of each period.

            We record assets and liabilities under capital leases at the lesser of the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments or the fair value of the assets under lease.

            We capitalize the direct costs incurred prior to an asset being ready for service as construction-in-progress. Construction in progress includes costs incurred under the construction contract, interest, and the salaries and benefits of employees directly involved with construction activities.

            We capitalize interest during the construction period based upon rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period.

            We record deferred compensation for options issued with exercise prices less than the estimated fair market value of our common stock at grant date. Prior to becoming a public company, we estimated the fair market value of our common stock based upon our most recent equity transaction.

            We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax valuation allowance would increase income in the period such determination is made.

            We determine if there is an impairment in our long-lived assets by comparing the carrying value to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual dispositions.

          RISK FACTORS

                  Many statements contained in this report are forward-looking in nature. These statements are based on current plans, intentions or expectations and actual results could differ materially as we cannot guarantee that we will achieve these plans, intentions or expectations. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ are the following:

          We are an early-stage company in an unproven industry, and if we do not grow rapidly and obtain additional capital we will not succeed.

                  We have a short operating history and therefore the information available to evaluate our prospects are limited. We initiated operations in 2000. Moreover, the market for high-speed Internet service itself has only existed for a short period of time and is unproven. Accordingly, our prospects must be evaluated in light of the risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stage of development, particularly in a new, unproven market.

                  Because the communications industry is capital intensive, rapidly evolving, and subject to significant economies of scale, as a relatively small organization we are at a competitive disadvantage. The growth we must achieve to reduce that disadvantage will put a significant strain on all of our resources. If we fail to grow rapidly, we may not be able to compete with larger, well-established companies.

          Our future capital requirements to sustain our current operations and to obtain the necessary growth will depend on a number of factors, including our success in increasing the number of customers and the number of buildings we serve, the expenses associated with the build-out and maintenance of our network, regulatory changes, competition, technological developments, potential merger and acquisition activity, and the economy's ability to recover from the recent downturn.

          24



          Additionally, our future capital requirements likely will increase if we acquire or invest in additional businesses, assets, products,services or technologies. We may also face unforeseen capital requirements for new technology required to remain competitive, for unforeseen maintenance of our network and technologies. Until we can generate sufficient levels of cash fromfacilities, and for other unanticipated expenses associated with running our operations, which we do not expect to achieve for the foreseeable future,business. We cannot assure you that we will continue to rely on equity financing and long-term debt to meet our cash needs. Given the current condition of the financial markets, it has become very difficult to raise capital, especially for telecommunications companies like Cogent. There is no assurance thathave access to additionalnecessary capital, will become any easier in the future, nor can we assure you that any such financing will be available on terms favorablethat are acceptable to us or our stockholders. Additionally, our amended and restated charter contains provisions that require our preferred stockholders to approve most equity issuances by us and that give our preferred stockholders adjusted conversion ratios if we issue equity at a lower price per share than those holders paid. Insufficient funds may require us to delay or scale back the build-out of our network. If additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, substantial dilution to existing


          stockholders may result. If we do not add customers, we may be required to raise additional funds through the issuance of debt or equity.

          We need to retain existing customers and continue to add new customers in order to become profitable and cash-flow positive.

          In order to become profitable and cash flow positive, we need to both retain existing customers and continue to add a large number of new customers. The precise number of additional customers required to become profitable and cash flow positive is dependent on a number of factors, including the turnover of existing customers and the revenue mix among customers. We may not succeed in adding customers if our sales and marketing plan is unsuccessful. In addition, ifmany of our operations do not produce positive cash flow in sufficient amountstarget customers are existing businesses that are already purchasing Internet access services from one or more providers, often under a contractual commitment, and it has been our experience that such target customers are often reluctant to pay our financing obligations, our future financial results and our abilityswitch providers due to implement our business plan will be materially and adversely affected.costs associated with switching providers.

          We have historically incurred operating losses and we expect ourthese losses tomay continue for the foreseeable future.

          Since our formation,we initiated operations in 2000, we have generated increasing operating losses and we anticipate that we willthese losses may continue to incur increasing losses for the foreseeable future. In 2000,2002, we had a netan operating loss of $11.8$62.3 million, on no revenues,in 2003 we had an operating loss of $81.2 million, and in 2001,2004 we had a netan operating loss of $66.9 million on revenues of $3.0$84.1 million. As of December 31, 2001,2004, we had an accumulated deficit of $102.9$143.7 million. Additionally, we expect our operating losses to increase as we integrate Allied Riser. Continued losses significantly greater than we anticipate may prevent us from pursuing our strategies for growth or may require us to seek unplanned additional capital and could cause us to be unable to meet our debt service obligations, capital expenditure requirements or working capital needs.

          We are leveraged and a significant portionexperiencing rapid growth of our debt may become due if our merger with Allied Riser is deemed to be a "change in control."

                  As of December 31, 2001, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the issuance of $62.0 million of our Series C Preferred Stock, the impact of the amendment to our credit facility, the settlementbusiness and termination of certain of the capital leasesoperations and maintenance obligations of our subsidiary Allied Riser, and Cogent's acquisition of certain assets of NetRail, we had $237.0 million of outstanding long-term indebtedness, and additional borrowing capacity, subject to covenant compliance, of $228.0 million under the October 2001 Cogent credit facility. This amount becomes available on a schedule defined in the agreement. Our high level of indebtedness will have consequences on our operations. Among other things, our indebtedness will:

            limit our ability to obtain additional financing;

            limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our market or business plan; and

            render us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions.

                  Our credit facility requires us to meet certain operational performance measures. These are measured and reported on a monthly basis until June 2002. If we are unable to meet these we may not be permitted to borrow additional amounts under that facility until we meet the monthly covenants under that facility. Our credit facility also has financial covenants that we must meet. These are measured quarterly beginning in the second quarter of 2002. If we do not meet them, we will be in default of the credit facility agreement.

                  Additionally, the 7.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007 of our subsidiary, Allied Riser, may become immediately due if the merger is deemed to be a "change in control," as defined by the

          25



          related indenture. On March 25, 2002, certain of the holders of the notes asserted to us that the merger constituted a change of control, and that as a result an event of default had occurred under the indenture. On March 27, 2002, based on such assertions, the Trustee under the indenture notified us that the principal amount of the notes and accrued interest is immediately due and payable. We do not believe that the merger would qualify as a change in control as defined in the indenture and are vigorously disputing the noteholders' assertion. However, in the event that the merger is deemed to be a change in control, we could be required by the noteholders to repurchase $117.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes and to pay them accrued interest. We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to do this if we are required to do so. If we are unable to repurchase the notes and pay the accrued interest, we will be in default under the indenture and our obligations under our credit facility could become due and payable.

          Our subsidiary, Allied Riser, is the subject of litigation commenced by the holders of its 7.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007.

                  Allied Riser, our subsidiary as a result of a merger consummated February 4, 2002, announced on December 12, 2001, that it had initiated the repurchase of certain of its 7.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007 at a discount from the face value of the notes in limited open market or negotiated transactions. Allied Riser also announced that certain holders of the notes filed notices as a group with the SEC on Schedule 13D including copies of documents indicating that such group had filed suit on December 6, 2001 against Allied Riser and its board of directors alleging, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties and requesting injunctive relief to prohibit Allied Riser's merger with Cogent, and alleging default by Allied Riser under the indenture related to the notes. The plaintiffs amended their complaint on January 11, 2002 and subsequently served it on Allied Riser. On January 28, 2002 the Court held a hearing on a motion by the plaintiffs to preliminarily enjoin the merger. On January 31, 2002 the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion denying that motion. We believe that these claims are without merit, and intend to continue to vigorously contest them.

                  Additionally, on March 27, 2002, certain holders of Allied Riser's notes filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code against Allied Riser in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. It is unclear on the face of the petition the exact nature or specifics of the claim, and the petition does not name Cogent as a party or otherwise. We note, however, that pursuant to the terms of the supplemental indenture related to the notes, Cogent is a co-obligor of the notes. We believe that the claim is without merit and intend to file a motion to dismiss it and otherwise vigorously contest it.

          Antidilution and conversion-price adjustment provisions could make it more difficult to raise new equity capital in the future.

                  Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation could make it more difficult for us to attract new investment in the future, even if doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation with respect to our Series C preferred stock, for example, if we issue additional shares of capital stock at a price per share that is less than the price of the Series C preferred stock, the holders of the Series C preferred stock will have the right to convert their stock to common stock at the same, reduced price per share. In addition, the holders of the preferred stock have liquidation preferences in the event of the sale or liquidation of Cogent. Such provisions may have the effect of inhibiting our ability to raise needed capital.

          We may not be able to efficiently manage our growth, which could harmgrowth.

          We have rapidly grown our business.

          company through acquisitions of companies, assets and customers as well as implementation of our own network expansion and sales efforts. Our future largely depends on our ability to implement our business strategy and proposed expansion in order to create new business and revenue opportunities. Our results of operations will be

          26



          adversely affected if we cannot fully implement our business strategy. Future expansion will placeplaces significant strains on our personnel,management, operational and financial and other resources. The failure to efficiently manage our growth could adversely affect the quality of our services, our business, and our financial condition.infrastructure. Our ability to manage our growth will be particularly dependent onupon our ability toto:

          ·       develop and retain an effective sales force and qualified technical and managerial personnel. We may not be able to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel. We may not be able topersonnel;

          ·       maintain the quality of our operations and our service offerings;

          ·       enhance our system of internal controls to control our costs, to maintainensure timely and accurate compliance with all applicable regulations,our regulatory reporting requirements; and to

          ·       expand our internal management, technical,accounting and operational information and accounting systems in order to support our desired growth.

                  In addition,We may have to make significant capital expenditures to address these issues, which could negatively impact our financial position. If we must performfail to implement these tasks in a timely manner, at reasonable costs, and on satisfactory terms and conditions. Failuremeasures, our ability to effectively manage our plannedgrowth will be impaired.

          We may experience difficulties in implementing our business plan in Europe and may incur related unexpected costs.

          During the first quarter of 2004, we completed our acquisitions of Firstmark, the parent holding company of LambdaNet Communications France SAS, or LambdaNet France, and LambdaNet Communications Espana SA, or LambdaNet Spain, and have obtained the rights to certain dark fiber and other network assets that were once part of Carrier 1 International S.A. in Germany. Prior to these


          transactions, we had only minimal European operations. If we are not successful in developing our market presence in Europe, our operating results could be adversely affected.

          LambdaNet France and LambdaNet Spain operated a combined telecommunications network and shared operations systems with a formerly affiliated entity, LambdaNet Germany. We did not acquire LambdaNet Germany and we are currently settling claims for intercompany receivables due to and from LambdaNet France and LambdaNet Spain. If we are unable to settle such claims or we experience unforeseen obligations in connection with the separation, we could be subject to additional expenses.

          We may experience delays and additional costs in expanding our on-net buildings in Europe.

          With part of the proceeds from the Public Offering, if consummated, we plan to add approximately 100 carrier-neutral facilities and other on-net buildings to our network in Europe. We may be unsuccessful at identifying appropriate buildings or negotiating favorable terms for acquiring access to such buildings, and consequently, may experience difficulty in adding customers to our European network and fully using the network’s capacity.

          We may not successfully make or integrate acquisitions or enter into strategic alliances.

          As part of our growth strategy, we intend to pursue selected acquisitions and strategic alliances. We have already completed 13 acquisitions, including ten in the last two years. We compete with other companies for acquisition opportunities and we cannot assure you that we will be able to effect future acquisitions or strategic alliances on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if we enter into these transactions, we may experience:

          ·       delays in realizing the benefits we anticipate or we may not realize the benefits we anticipate;

          ·       difficulties or higher-than-anticipated costs associated with integrating any acquired companies, products or services into our existing business;

          ·       attrition of key personnel from acquired businesses;

          ·       unexpected costs or charges; or

          ·       unforeseen operating difficulties that require significant financial and managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of our existing operations.

          In the past, our acquisitions have often included assets, service offerings and financial obligations that are not compatible with our core business strategy. We have expended management attention and other resources to the divestiture of assets, modification of products and systems as well as restructuring financial obligations of acquired operations. In most acquisitions, we have been successful in renegotiating long-term agreements that we have acquired relating to long distance and local transport of data and IP traffic. If we are unable to satisfactorily renegotiate such agreements in the future or with respect to future acquisitions, we may be exposed to large claims for payment for services and facilities we do not need.

          10




          Consummating these transactions could also result in the incurrence of additional debt and related interest expense, as well as unforeseen contingent liabilities, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, growth, financial condition and results of operations. Because we have purchased financially distressed companies or their assets, and may continue to do so in the future, we have not had, and may not have, the opportunity to perform extensive due diligence or obtain contractual protections and indemnifications that are customarily provided in corporate acquisitions. As a result, we may face unexpected contingent liabilities arising from these acquisitions. We may also issue additional equity in connection with these transactions, which would dilute our existing shareholders.

          Revenues generated by the customer contracts that we have acquired have accounted for a substantial portion of our historical growth in net service revenue. We have historically experienced a decline in revenue attributable to acquired customers as these customers’ contracts have expired and they have entered into standard Cogent customer contracts at generally lower rates or have chosen not to renew service with us. We anticipate that we will experience similar declines with respect to customers we have acquired or will acquire.

          We depend upon our key employees and may be unable to attract or retain sufficient qualified personnel.

          Our future performance depends upon the continued contribution of our executive management team and other key employees, in particular, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Schaeffer. As founder of our company, Mr. Schaeffer’s knowledge of our business combined with his engineering background and industry experience make him particularly well-suited to lead our company.

          Our European operations expose us to economic, regulatory and other risks.

          The nature of our European business involves a number of risks, including:

          ·       fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

          ·       exposure to additional regulatory requirements, including import restrictions and controls, exchange controls, tariffs and other trade barriers;

          ·       difficulties in staffing and managing our foreign operations;

          ·       changes in political and economic conditions; and

          ·       exposure to additional and potentially adverse tax regimes.

          As we continue to expand our European business, our success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and effectively manage these and other risks. Our failure to manage these risks and grow our European operations may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

          Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates may adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

          Our European operations expose us to currency fluctuations and exchange rate risk. For example, while we record revenues and financial results from our European operations in euros, these results are reflected in our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars. Therefore, our reported results are exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the euro. In particular, we fund the euro-based operating expenses and associated cash flow requirements of our European operations, including IRU obligations, in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, in the event that the euro strengthens versus the dollar to a greater extent than we anticipate, the expenses and cash flow requirements associated with our European operations may be significantly higher in U.S.-dollar terms than planned.


          Our business could suffer delays and problems due to the actions of network providers on whom we are partially dependent.

          Our off-net customers are connected to our network by means of communications lines that are provided as services by local telephone companies and others. We may experience problems with the installation, maintenance and pricing of these lines and other communications links, which could adversely affect our results of operations and our plans to add additional customers to our network using such services. We have historically experienced installation and maintenance delays when the network provider is devoting resources to other services, such as traditional telephony. We have also experienced pricing problems when a lack of alternatives allows a provider to charge high prices for services in an area. We attempt to reduce this problem by using many different providers so that we have alternatives for linking a customer to our network. Competition among the providers tends to improve installation, maintenance and pricing.

          If the information systems that we depend on to support our customers, network operations, sales and billing do not perform as expected, our operations and our financial results may be adversely affected.

          We rely on complex information systems to operate our network and support our other business functions. Our ability to track sales leads, close sales opportunities, provision services and bill our customers for those services depends upon the effective integration of our various information systems. If our systems, individually or collectively, fail or do not perform as expected, our ability to process and provision orders, to make timely payments to vendors and to ensure that we collect revenue owed to us would be adversely affected. Migration of acquired operations onto our information systems is an ongoing process that we have been able to manage with minimal negative impact on our obligations. Our expansion may involve acquiring other companiesoperations or assets. These acquisitions could divert resources and management attention and require integration with our existing operations. We cannot assure you that these acquisitions will be successful. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be successful or timely in developing and marketing service enhancements or new services that respond to technological change, changes in customer requirements, and emerging industry standards.

          Any acquisitions or investments we make could disrupt our business and be dilutive to our existing stockholders.

                  We intend to continue to consider acquisitions of, or investments in, complementary businesses, technologies, services, or products. Acquisitions and investments involve numerous risks, including:

            the diversion of management attention;

            difficulties in assimilating the acquired business;

            potential loss of key employees, particularly those of the acquired business;

            difficulties in transitioning key customer relationships;

            risks associated with entering markets in which we have no or limited prior experience; and

            other unanticipated costs.

                  These acquisitions or investments may result in dilutive issuances of equity securities; the incurrence of debt and assumption of liabilities; large integration and acquisition expenses; and the creation of intangible assets that may result in significant amortization expense. Any of these factors could materially harm our business or our operating results.

          We will face challenges in integrating Cogent and Allied Riser and, as a result, may not realize the expected benefits of the merger.

                  Integrating the operations of Cogent and Allied Riser will be a costly and complex process. We are uncertain that the integration will be completed rapidly or that it will achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger. Allied Riser's in-building networks will have to be integrated with Cogent's network of metropolitan fiber optic networks and long-haul fiber optic networks. This process will, at a minimum, require us to obtain or construct connections from our metropolitan fiber network to buildings in which Allied Riser has completed in-building networks and to purchase and install equipment in addition to that currently installed in Allied Riser's networks. We expect that integration costs will be significant.

                  The diversion of the attention of management and any difficulties encountered in the process of combining the companies and integrating operations could cause the disruption of the activities of the combined company's business. Further, the process of combining Cogent and Allied Riser and related

          27



          uncertainties associated with the merger could negatively affect employee performance, satisfaction, and retention.

                  Allied Riser also has liabilities including capital leases, office leases, and carrier contracts for transmission capacity After the closing of the merger, any existing liabilities of Allied Riser that were not resolved prior to the closing of the merger became liabilities of Cogent.

          We may be unable to successfully complete or expand our network.

                  The construction, operation, and any upgrading of our network are significant undertakings. Administrative, technical, operational, and other problems that could arise may be more difficult to address and solvecustomers. However, due to the significant sizegreater variance between non-U.S. information systems and complexity ofour primary systems, the planned network. In order for our business plan to succeed, it will be necessary to build out our network and related facilities in a manner that is timely and cost efficient. The timely completionintegration of our networknew European operations could increase the likelihood that these systems do not perform as desired. Such failures or delays could result in a cost efficient manner, however, will be affected by a varietyincreased capital expenditures, customer and vendor dissatisfaction, loss of factors, manybusiness or the inability to add new customers or additional services, all of which are difficult or impossible to control, including:

            cost increases related to completion of route segments and metropolitan rings;

            timely performance by our suppliers;

            our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and

            shortages of materials or skilled labor, unforeseen engineering, environmental, or geological problems, work stoppages, weather interference, and floods.

                  The construction of our network also requires that both we and our fiber providers obtain many local rights-of-way and other permits. In some cases, we and our fiber providers must also obtain rights to use underground conduit and other rights-of-way and fiber capacity. The process of obtaining these permits and rights is time consuming and burdensome. If we or our fiber providers are unable to obtain and maintain the permits and rights-of-way needed to build out our network and related facilities on acceptable terms and on a timely basis, or if permits or rights-of-way we or our fiber providers do obtain are cancelled or not renewed, the build-out of our network could be delayed.

                  For these reasons, we cannot assure you that the budgeted costs of our current and future projects will not be exceeded or that these projects will commence operations within the contemplated schedules, if at all. Any significant variance from the contemplated schedules or increases in the budgeted cost of our network will materiallywould adversely affect our business and results of operations.

          Our business could suffer from a delay, reduction or interruption of deliveries from our equipment suppliers or the termination of relationships with them.

                  Our business could suffer from a delay, reduction or interruption of deliveries from our equipment suppliers or the termination of relationships with them. We obtain most of our optical-electronic equipment from Cisco Systems. We depend on Williams Communications for our long-haul fiber network. Metromedia Fiber Networks, Level 3, and others provide us with metropolitan dark fiber linking our national network to individual buildings. Dark fiber is the term for optical fiber that has been installed, but does not include the optical-electronic terminal equipment needed to transmit or receive data, which we install, and which is provided to us by third-party suppliers. Such third-party suppliers are responsible for additional amounts of conduit, computers, software, switches/routers, and related components that we assemble and integrate into our network. Any reduction in or interruption of deliveries from our equipment suppliers, especially Cisco Systems, Metromedia Fiber Networks, Level 3, or Williams Communications could delay our plans to complete our network and install in-building networks, impair our ability to acquire or retain customers, and harm our business generally. Historically, the metropolitan dark fiber industry has encountered delays in delivering its products. Our

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          suppliers have encountered this and, as a result, we have experienced increasing delays in obtaining metropolitan dark fiber from them. This has resulted in, and could continue to result in, a delay in extending our network to end user locations and our ability to service customers. We are working to locate alternative fiber sources and we may construct certain portions ourselves in order to complete our business plan on a timely basis. In addition, the price of the equipment and other supplies we purchase may substantially increase over time, increasing the costs we pay in the future. It could take a significant period of time to establish relationships with alternative suppliers for each of our technologies and substitute their technologies into our networks. If any of these relationships are terminated or a supplier fails to provide reliable services or equipment and we are unable to reach suitable alternative arrangements quickly, we may experience significant delays and additional costs. If that happens, our business could be materially adversely affected.

          Our rights to the use of the dark fiber that make up our network may be affected by the financial health of our fiber providers.

                  We do not have title to the dark fiber that makes up the foundation of our network. Our interests in the dark fiber that makes up our network take the form of long-term leases or indefeasible right of use agreements, known as IRUs. A bankruptcy or financial collapse of one of our fiber providers could result in a loss of our rights under our long-term lease agreements or IRUs with such provider, which in turn could have a negative impact on the integrity of our network and ultimately on our results of operations. If we lost rights under our IRU agreements, we may be required to expend additional funds for maintenance of the fiber, directly fund right of way obligations, or even purchase replacement fiber from another provider if it exists. There may be geographic regions in which alternate providers do not exist. This could require us to suspend operations to some customers or construct our own fiber connections to those customers. There has been increasing financial pressure on some of our fiber providers as part of the overall weakening of the telecommunications market over the past twelve to eighteen months. Our largest supplier of our metropolitan fiber networks, Metromedia Fiber Networks, recently announced that it may file for bankruptcy in April 2002. This would impact our operations chiefly by decreasing our ability to add new metropolitan fiber rings and our ability to add new buildings to existing rings. Another supplier of metropolitan fiber, ACSI Network Technologies, Inc., already has filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In addition, Williams Communications, Inc., the primary supplier of our national backbone fiber has stated that it may potentially seek bankruptcy protection. In the case of a bankruptcy or financial collapse by one of our fiber providers, our rights under our dark fiber agreements remain unclear, although to date there has been noan interruption of service with the ACSI fiber. In particular, tofrom our knowledge, the rights of the holder of an IRU in strands offiber providers.

          Our inter-city and intra-city dark fiber have never been addressedis maintained by the judiciary atcarriers from whom it has been obtained. While we have not experienced material problems with interruption of service in the statepast, if these carriers fail to maintain the fiber or federal level in bankruptcy.

          We often are limited in choicesdisrupt our fiber connections for metropolitan fiber suppliers.

                  In some ofother reasons, such as business disputes with us or governmental takings, our target markets there is only one established carrier available to provide the necessary connection. This increases our costs and makes it difficult to obtain sufficient dark fiber. Sufficient dark fiber may not be readily available from third parties at commercially reasonable rates, if at all. Our failure to obtain sufficient dark fiber could result in an inabilityability to provide service in certain buildingsthe affected markets or parts of markets would be impaired. We may incur significant delays and costs in restoring service interruptions, which could in time lead to loss ofour customers, and damage to our reputation.we may lose customers if delays are substantial.

          Our business plan cannot succeed unless we continue to obtain and maintaindepends on license agreements with building owners and managers.managers, which we could fail to obtain or maintain.

          Our business depends upon our ability to install in-building networks. This requires us to enter intoOur in-building networks depend on access agreements with building owners or managers allowing us to install our in-building networks

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          and provide our services in the buildings. These agreements typically have terms of five to ten years. We expect to need to enter into additional access agreements for the foreseeable future, and may need to amend some of the current agreements to allow us to offer all of the services contemplated by our current business plan. The failure of building owners or managers to grant, amend, or renew access rights on acceptable terms, or anyAny deterioration in our existing relationships with building owners or managers could harm our marketing efforts and could substantially reduce our potential customer base. We expect to enter into additional access agreements as part of our growth plan. Current federal and state regulations do not require building owners to make space available to us or to do so on terms that are reasonable or nondiscriminatory. While the FCC has adopted regulations that prohibit common carriers under its jurisdiction from entering into exclusive arrangements with owners of multi-tenant commercial office buildings, these regulations do not require building owners to offer us access to their buildings. Building owners or managers may decide not to


          permit us to install our networks in their buildings or may elect not to renew or amend our access agreements. The initial term of most of our access agreements will conclude in the next several years. Most of these agreements have one or more automatic renewal periods and others may be renewed at the option of the landlord. While no single building access agreement is material to our success, the failure to obtain or maintain certain of these agreements would reduce our revenuesrevenue, and we might not recover our infrastructure costs.costs of procuring building access and installing our in-building networks.

          We will needmay not be able to obtain or construct additional building laterals to connect new buildings to our network.

          In order to connect a new building to our network we mustneed to obtain or construct a lateral fiber extensions from our metropolitan ringnetwork to the building to which we intend to provide our Internet service. To date, we have relied exclusively on third parties for lateral connections. While we intend to continue using third parties for lateral connections in the future, we also plan to construct or fund most laterals on our own or in ventures with third parties. The availability of such lateral connections from third parties is dependent on many factors, including but not limited to the:

            financial health of those lateral providers, including Metromedia Fiber Networks, and their willingness to offer laterals to us on acceptable terms and conditions;

            ability of those lateral providers to construct, deliver, and connect such laterals, which depends, in part, on their ability to obtain and maintain the necessary franchise rights and permits to supply laterals, construct such laterals in a timely and correct manner, and splice such laterals into our network rings to enable optical connections; and

            willingness of the various municipalities in which such laterals are located to allow the construction of fiber laterals.

                  Our ability to construct or fund some laterals on our own is also dependent on these factors. If any of these factors are not fulfilled, we may not be able to obtain some of the desired lateral connections to buildings, which could substantially reduce our customer base and our ability to fulfill our business plan.

          We must make capital expenditures before generating revenues, which may prove insufficient to justify those expenditures.

                  Prior to generating revenues, we must incur significant initial capital expenditures. Our expenditures will vary depending on whether we encounter any construction-related difficulties or difficulties in acquiring rights-of-way or other permits. After initial installation of our network, our capital expenditures continue to grow based on the extent to which we add customers within a building. We may not be able to recoup all of our expenditures.

          Our success depends on growthobtain fiber in the use of the Internet, and on the willingness of customers to buy our Internet service.

                  Our future success depends in large part on growth in the number of people who use the Internet as well as growth in the number of ways people use the Internet. Specifically, we are dependent on the

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          growth of the demand for high-speed Internet service, which is unprovenan existing lateral at an attractive price from a provider and may grow less than the demand for communications services generally, or not at all. Furthermore,be able to construct our own growth rate may not matchlateral due to the growth ratecost of the high-speed Internet service market asconstruction or municipal regulatory restrictions. Failure to obtain fiber in an existing lateral or to construct a whole.new lateral could keep us from adding new buildings to our network and from increasing our revenues.

                  Our success also depends on rapid growth in sales of our particular Internet services offerings. This growth depends, in part, on customers trusting us to deliver the services in a timely and efficient manner, and that we will continue to operate for at least as long as the life of any contract between the two of us. This trust may be difficult to establish because there has been a substantial downturn in the telecommunications industry, leading to many bankruptcies and closures of competing Internet service providers. Some of these closures required the customers of the closing Internet service provider to find alternative providers on very short notice. In light of these developments, there may be an increasing desire on the part of Internet service customers to only do business with telecommunications providers who have a long operating history and are amongst the biggest providers in the industry. Our short operating history and small size could put it at a disadvantage in competing with such established providers.

          Impairment of our intellectual property rights and our alleged infringement on other companies'companies’ intellectual property rights could harm our business.

                  We regard certain aspects of our products, services, and technology as proprietary and attempt to protect them with patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secret laws, restrictions on disclosure, and other methods. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise obtain and use our products, services, or technology without authorization, or to develop similar technology independently.

          We are aware of several other companies in our and other industries that use the word "Cogent"“Cogent” in their corporate names. One company has informed us that it believes our use of the name "Cogent"“Cogent” infringes on their intellectual property rights in that name. If such a challenge is successful, we could be required to change our name and lose the goodwill associated with the Cogent name in our markets.

          The sector in which we operate is highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete effectively.

          We face significant competition from incumbent carriers, Internet service providers and facilities-based network operators. Relative to us, many communicationsof these providers withhave significantly greater financial resources, more well-established brand names, larger customer bases, and more diverse strategic plans and technologies. Many ofservice offerings.

          Intense competition from these competitors have longer operating historiestraditional and more established relationships in the industry than we do. Intense competitionnew communications companies has led to declining prices and margins for many communications services. Weservices, and we expect this trend to continue as competition intensifies in the future. We expect significant competition from traditionalDecreasing prices for high-speed Internet services have somewhat diminished the competitive advantage that we have enjoyed as a result of our service pricing.

          Our quarterly operating results are subject to substantial fluctuations and new communications companies, including local, long distance, cable modem, Internet, digital subscriber line, fixed and mobile wireless, and satellite data service providers, someyou should not rely on them as an indication of which are described in more detail below.our future results.

                  If these potential competitors successfully focusIn the past our quarterly operating results have fluctuated dramatically based largely on our market, we may face intense competition harmful to our business. In addition, we may also face severe price competition for building access rights, which could result in higher sales and marketing expenses and lower profit margins.

            In-building competitors.Some competitors,one-time events, such as Cypress Communications, XO Communications, Intellispace, Eureka, Everest Broadband,acquisitions, gains from debt restructurings, other initiatives and eLink have gained access to office buildings in our target markets and are attempting to gain access to additional buildings in these and other markets. To the extent these competitors are successful, we may face difficulties in building our networks and marketing our services within someerosion of our target buildings. Because our agreements to use utility shaft space within buildings are, to date, non-exclusive, owners of such buildings can give similar rights to our competitors. Certain competitors already have rights to install networks in some of the buildings in which we have rights to install our networks. It is not clear whether it will be profitable for two or more different companies to

          31


              operate networks within the same building. Therefore, it is critical that we build our networks in our target buildings quickly, before our competitors do so. If a competitor installs a network in a building in which we operate, there will likely be substantial price competition.

            Local telephone companies.Incumbent telephone companies, including regional Bell operating companies such as Verizon, SBC, Qwest and BellSouth, have several competitive strengths which may place us at a competitive disadvantage. These competitive strengths include:

            an established brand name and reputation;

            significant capital to deploy broadband data network equipment rapidly;

            ability to offer higher-speed data services through digital subscriber line technology;

            their own inter-building connections; and

            ability to bundle digital data services with their voice services to achieve economies of scale in servicing customers.


            Competitive local telephone companies.Competitive local telephone companies often have broadband inter-building connections, market their services to tenants of large and medium-sized buildings, and selectively build in-building facilities.

            Long distance companies.We will face strong competition from long distance companies. Many of the leading long distance carriers, including AT&T, MCI WorldCom, and Sprint, could begin to build their own in-building voice and data networks. The newer national long distance carriers, such as Level 3, Qwest, and Williams Communications, are building and managing high speed fiber-based national voice and data networks, partnering with Internet service providers, and may extend their networks by installing in-building facilities and equipment.

            Fixed wireless service providers. We may lose potential customers to fixed wireless service providers. Fixed wireless service providers are communications companies that can provide high-speed communications services to customers using microwave, laser, or other facilities or satellite earth stations on building rooftops.non-core revenues. Some of these providersfluctuations were predictable, but some were unforeseen. The factors that have targeted smallcaused, and medium-sized business customersthat may in the future cause, such quarterly variances are numerous and have a business strategy that is similarmay work in combination to ours.cause such variances. These providers include MCI Worldcom, XO Communications, Terabeam, Sprint,factors include:

            ·       demand for our services;

            ·       the impact of acquisitions, including the ability to achieve planned cost reductions;

            ·       our ability to meet the demand for our services;

            ·       changes in pricing policies by us and Winstar.our competitors;

            ·       increased competition;



            ·

                   network outages or failures;

            Internet, digital subscriber line,·       delays, reductions or interruptions from suppliers; and

            ·       changes in the North American or European economy.

            Many of these factors are beyond our control. Accordingly, our quarterly operating results may vary significantly in the future and cable modem service providers.The services provided by Internet service providers, digital subscriber line companies, and cable-based service providers can be used by our potential customers insteadperiod-to-period comparisons of our services. Traditional Internet service providers, suchresults of operations may not be meaningful and should not be relied upon as Concentric Networks and EarthLink, provide Internet access to residential and business customers, generally using the existing communications infrastructure. Digital subscriber line companies and/or their Internet service provider customers, such as AT&T and Covad, typically provide broadband Internet access using digital subscriber line technology, which enables data traffic to be transmitted over standard copper telephone lines at much higher speeds than these lines would normally allow. Cable-based service providers, such as RCN Telecom Services, and Time Warner AOL and its Road Runner subsidiary, also provide broadband Internet access. These various providers may also offer traditional or Internet-based voice services to compete with us.

            Other high-speed Internet providers.We may also lose potential customers to other high-speed Internet service providers who offer similar high-speed Internet services. These include Yipes and Telseon, and are often characterized as Ethernet metropolitan access networks. These providers have targeted a similar customer base and have a strategy similar to ours.

          32


            Our failure to acquire, integrate, and operate new technologies could harm our competitive position.

                    The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological advancements and the introduction of new products and services. We do not possess significant intellectual property rights with respect to the technologies we use, and we are dependent on third parties for the development of and access to new technology. In addition, we own the equipment we use to provide our services and we will have long-term leases or indefeasible rights of use attached to the fiber optic networks that will constitute our network. Therefore, technological changes that render our equipment out of date, less efficient, or more expensive to operate than newer equipment could cause us to incur substantial increases in capital expenditures to upgrade or replace such equipment.

                    Additionally, there currently are other technologies that provide more capacity and speed than dial-up connections and can be used insteadindicators of our broadband data services, including digital subscriber line technology, cable modems, wireless technology, and integrated services digital networks. Furthermore, these technologiesfull year performance or future performance. Our share price may be improved and other new technologies may develop that provide more capacity and speed than the broadband data technology we typically employ.subject to greater volatility due to these fluctuations in our operating results.

            Our connectionconnections to the Internet requiresrequire us to obtainestablish and maintain relationships with other providers.providers, which we may not be able to maintain.

            The Internet is composed of various public and private network providers who operate their own networks and interconnect them at public and private interconnection points. Our network is one such network. In order to obtain Internet connectivity for our network, we must obtainestablish and maintain relationships with other such providers and incur the necessary capital costs to locate our equipment and connect our network at these various interconnection points. Some of these connections are made through the purchasing of transit capacity at negotiated rates, which gives us access to a provider and other networks to which that provider is connected. In addition, in some instances we have minimum and maximum volume commitments to receive the negotiated rates. If we fail to meet the minimum, or exceed the maximum, volume commitments, our rates and costs may rise.

                    Another source of connection to the Internet is peering arrangements. By entering into what are known as settlement-free peering arrangements, providers agree to exchange traffic between their respective networks without charging each other. Our establishment and maintenance of peering relationships is necessaryability to avoid the higher costs of transitacquiring dedicated network capacity and in order to maintain high network performance capacity. Our business plan depends onis dependent upon our ability to avoid transit costs in the future as our network expands. Inestablish and maintain peering relationships. We cannot assure you that regard, we are attempting a number of initiatives to lower our transit costs. We are seeking more settlement-free peering arrangements such as those that were acquired in the NetRail asset acquisition. We expect that these initiatives will enable us to reduce our transit costs but there is no guarantee that such efforts will be successful. Peeringable to continue to establish and maintain those relationships. The terms and conditions of our peering relationships are notmay also be subject to regulation, andadverse changes, which we may change in terms and conditions.not be able to control. If we are not able to maintain andor increase our peering relationships in all of our markets on favorable terms, we may not be able to provide our customers with high performance or affordable services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have in the past encountered some disputes with certain of our providers regarding our peering arrangements, but we have consistently been able to route our traffic through alternative peering arrangements, resolve such disputes or terminate such peering arrangements, none of which have had the effect of adversely impacting our business.

            We make some of these connections pursuant to agreements that make data transmission capacity available to us at negotiated rates. In some instances these agreements have minimum and affordable services.maximum volume commitments. If we fail to meet the minimum, or exceed the maximum, volume commitments, our rates and costs may rise.

            Network failure or delays and errors in transmissions expose us to potential liability.

            Our network uses a collection of communications equipment, software, operating protocols and proprietary applications for the high-speed transportation of large quantities of data among multiple locations. Given the complexity of our proposed network, it may beis possible that data will be lost or distorted. Delays in data delivery may cause significant losses to a customerone or more customers using our network. Our network may also contain undetected design faults and software bugs that, despite our testing, may not be discovered in time to prevent harm to our network.network or to the data transmitted over it. The failure of any equipment or facility on the network could result in the interruption of customer service until we effect necessary repairs or install replacement equipment. Network failures, delays and errors could also result from natural disasters, power losses, security breaches, and computer viruses. In addition, some of our customers are, at least

            33



            initially, only served by partial fiber rings, increasing the riskviruses, denial of service interruption. Theseattacks and other natural or man-made events. Our off-net services are dependent on the network of other providers or on local telephone companies. Network failures, faults or errors could cause delays or service interruptions, expose


            us to customer liability or require expensive modifications that could have a material adverse effect on our business.

            As an Internet access provider, we may be vulnerable to unauthorized access or we may incur liability for information disseminated through our network.

                    Our networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, and other disruptive problems. Addressing the effects of computer viruses and alleviating other security problems may require interruptions, incurrence of costs and delays, or cessation of service to our customers. Unauthorized access could jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in our computer systems or those of our customers, for which we could possibly be held liable.

            The law relating to the liability of Internet access providers and on-line services companies for information carried on or disseminated through their networks is unsettled. As the law in this area develops and as we expand our international operations, the potential imposition of liability upon us for information carried on and disseminated through our network could require us to implement measures to reduce our exposure to such liability, which may require the expenditure of substantial resources or the discontinuation of certain products or service offerings. Any costs that are incurred as a result of such measures or the imposition of liability could harm our business.

            Legislation and government regulation could adversely affect us.

                    We believe theAs an enhanced servicesservice provider, we provide today are not subject to substantial regulation by the FCC or the state public utilities commissions. Federal and state commissions exercise jurisdiction over providers of basic telecommunications services. However, enhanced service providers are currently exempt from federal and state regulations governing providers of basic telecommunications services, including the obligation to pay access charges and contribute to the universal service fund. Changes in regulation or new legislation may increase the regulation of our current enhanced services. Such changes in the regulatory environment are difficult for usUnited States. Internet service is also subject to predictminimal regulation in Europe and could affect our operating results by increasing competition, decreasing revenue, increasing costs, or impairing our ability to offer services.

              in Canada. If we decide to provideoffer traditional voice and other basic telecommunications services we mayor otherwise expand our service offerings to include services that would cause us to be unable to successfully respond to regulatory changes.Wedeemed a common carrier, we will become subject to regulation by the FCC and state agencies in the eventadditional regulation. Additionally, if we decide to offer non-enhanced voice andservice using IP (voice over IP) or offer certain other basic telecommunicationstypes of data services andusing IP we may become subject to additional regulation. This regulation ifcould impact our business because of the costs and time required to obtain necessary authorizations, the additional taxes than we offermay become subject to or may have to collect from our customers, and the additional administrative costs of providing voice services, over the Internet. Complying with these regulatory requirements may be costly.

              Regulation of access to office buildings could negatively affect our business.FCC rules prohibit common carriers from entering into contracts that restrict the right of commercial multi-unit property owners to permit any other common carrier to access and serve the property's commercial tenants. While we believe that this rule does not apply to us, we compete against common carriers in providing some of our services and this rule could make it easier for an increased number of such common carrier competitors to gain access to buildings where we provide service. The FCC declined to adopt rules mandating that commercial multi-unit property owners permit access to all carriers on a nondiscriminatory basis, but it is continuing to consider this and other issues in future phasescosts. All of this proceeding. Bills have also been introduced in Congress regarding the same topic but Congress has yetthese could inhibit our ability to act. Someremain a low cost carrier.

              Much of the law related to the liability of Internet service providers remains unsettled. For example, many jurisdictions have adopted laws related to unsolicited commercial email or “spam” in the last several years. Other legal issues, being consideredsuch as the sharing of copyrighted information, transborder data flow, universal service, and liability for software viruses could become subjects of additional legislation and legal development. We cannot predict the impact of these changes on us. Regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

              Recent terrorist activity throughout the world and military action to counter terrorism could adversely impact our business.

              The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and the continued threat of terrorist activity and other acts of war or hostility have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on business, financial and general economic conditions internationally. Effects from these developments include requiring real estate ownersevents and any future terrorist activity, including cyber terrorism, may, in turn, increase our costs due to the need to provide utility shafts access to telecommunications carriers, and requiring some telecommunications providers to provide access to other telecommunications providers. We do not know whether or in what form these proposals will be adopted.

            34


                Deregulation of the provision of high speed Internet access by incumbent local exchange carriers could result in increased competition and negatively affect our business.In February the FCC announced that it is considering significantly reducing its regulation of the delivery of high speed Internet access by the incumbent local exchange carriers including the regional Bell operating companies such as Verizon, SBC, Qwest and BellSouth. While we do not know if or to what extent it will occur, such deregulation could negativelyenhanced security, which would adversely affect our business and results of operations. These circumstances may also damage or destroy the Internet infrastructure and may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, our ability to raise capital and the operation and maintenance of our network access points. We are particularly vulnerable to acts of terrorism because our largest customer concentration is located in New York and we are headquartered in Washington, D.C., cities that have historically been primary targets for such terrorist attacks.

                ITEM 2.                DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

                We own no material real property in North America. We lease our headquarters facilities consisting of approximately 15,370 square feet in Washington, D.C. We also lease approximately 262,000 square feet of space in 42 locations in office buildings and data centers to house our colocation facilities, regional


                offices and operations centers. The lease for our headquarters is with an entity controlled by enhancingour Chief Executive Officer. The lease is year-to-year on market terms, and we anticipate that we will be able to renew this lease on substantially the competitive positionsame terms upon its expiration on August 31, 2006. The terms of the incumbent local exchange carriers.

              If our interpretation of regulations applicable to our operations is incorrect, we may incur additional expenses or become subject to more stringent regulation.

                      Some of the jurisdictions where we provide services have little, if any, written regulations regardingother leases generally are for ten years with two five-year renewal options. We believe that these facilities are generally in good condition and suitable for our operations. In addition to the written regulations and guidelines that do existabove leases, we also have, from our acquisitions, leases for approximately 84,000 square feet of office space in a jurisdiction may not specifically address our operations. If our interpretation10 locations. Eight of these regulationslocations are currently sublet to third parties. Two are currently being marketed for sublease.

              Through the acquisition of our French and guidelinesSpanish subsidiaries in January, 2004, we acquired three properties in France. All three properties are data centers and points-of-presence, or POP, facilities ranging in size from 11,838 to 18,292 square feet. We believe that the current market value of these properties is incorrect,5.1 million euros or approximately $6.6 million. On March 30, 2005, we may incur additional expensessold one of the three properties, located in Lyon, France, for net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million. Through our European subsidiaries, we also lease approximately 204,000 square feet of space in office buildings and data centers to complyhouse our colocation facilities, regional offices and operations centers. Approximately 174,000 square feet of the total are used for active POP locations, which house our network equipment and provide colocation space for our customers and have an average size of 9,000 square feet. The terms of these leases generally are for nine years with additional regulations applicablean opportunity to terminate the lease every three years. Much of the general office space and non-active POP locations are currently on the market to be sublet to third parties. We believe that these facilities are generally in good condition and suitable for our operations.

              Our affiliates own more than 80%ITEM 3.                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

              We are involved in legal proceedings in the normal course of our business that we do not expect to have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

              ITEM 4.                SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

              On October 26, 2004, the outstanding voting stock, and thus will control all matters requiring a stockholder vote and, as a result, could prevent or delay any strategic transaction.

                      Our existing directors, executive officers, and greater-than-five-percent stockholders and their affiliates,holders of our securities, on an as-if-converted-to-common basis, holding in the aggregate beneficially own more than 80%approximately 72% of our common stock, approved by written consent the outstandingissuance of 3,700 shares our Series M participating convertible preferred stock and the amendment to our Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in order to exempt the issuance of Series M preferred stock from certain antidilution rights held by the other holders of preferred stock. The shares of votingSeries M preferred stock converted into approximately 5.7 million shares of our common stock in the Equity Conversion.

              16




              PART II

              ITEM 5.                MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

              Our sole class of common equity is our common stock, par value $0.001, which is currently traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “COI.” Prior to February 5, 2002 no established public trading market for the common stock existed.

              As of March 25, 2005, there were approximately 471 holders of record of shares of our common stock holding approximately 32,398,460 shares of our common stock. If all

              The table below shows, for the quarters indicated, the reported high and low trading prices of these stockholders wereour common stock on the American Stock Exchange, which are not split-adjusted.

               

               

              High

               

              Low

               

              Calendar Year 2003

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              First Quarter

               

               

              $

              0.94

               

               

               

              $

              0.40

               

               

              Second Quarter

               

               

              3.23

               

               

               

              0.32

               

               

              Third Quarter

               

               

              2.39

               

               

               

              0.80

               

               

              Fourth Quarter

               

               

              1.98

               

               

               

              0.95

               

               

              Calendar Year 2004

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              First Quarter

               

               

              $

              2.74

               

               

               

              $

              1.10

               

               

              Second Quarter

               

               

              2.19

               

               

               

              0.27

               

               

              Third Quarter

               

               

              0.40

               

               

               

              0.23

               

               

              Fourth Quarter

               

               

              2.00

               

               

               

              0.28

               

               

              Calendar Year 2005

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              First Quarter (As of March 25, 2005)(1)

               

               

              $

              25.40

               

               

               

              $

              9.65

               

               


              (1)          The high and low trading prices for the first quarter of 2005 give effect to vote together as a group, they wouldour Reverse Stock Split.

              We have not paid any dividends on our common stock since our inception and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the abilityforeseeable future. Any future determination to exert significant influence overpay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon then-existing conditions, including our financial condition, results of operations, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors our board of directors deems relevant.


              ITEM 6.                SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

              The annual financial information set forth below has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Report. The information should be read in connection with, and is qualified in its policies. For instance,entirety by reference to, the financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Report.

               

               

              Years Ended December, 31

               

               

               

              2000

               

              2001

               

              2002

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

               

               

              (dollars in thousands)

               

              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net service revenue

               

              $

               

              $

              3,018

               

              $

              51,913

               

              $

              59,422

               

              $

              91,286

               

              Operating expenses:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cost of network operations

               

              3,040

               

              19,990

               

              49,091

               

              47,017

               

              63,466

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation—cost of network operations

               

               

              307

               

              233

               

              1,307

               

              858

               

              Selling, general, and administrative

               

              10,845

               

              27,322

               

              33,495

               

              26,570

               

              40,382

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation—SG&A

               

               

              2,958

               

              3,098

               

              17,368

               

              11,404

               

              Gain on settlement of vendor litigation

               

               

               

              (5,721

              )

               

               

              Terminated public offering costs

               

               

               

               

               

              779

               

              Restructuring charge

               

               

               

               

               

              1,821

               

              Depreciation and amortization

               

              338

               

              13,535

               

              33,990

               

              48,387

               

              56,645

               

              Total operating expenses

               

              14,223

               

              64,112

               

              114,186

               

              140,649

               

              175,355

               

              Operating loss

               

              (14,223

              )

              (61,094

              )

              (62,273

              )

              (81,227

              )

              (84,069

              )

              Settlement of note holder litigation

               

               

               

              (3,468

              )

               

               

              Interest income (expense) and other, net

               

              2,462

               

              (5,819

              )

              (34,545

              )

              (18,264

              )

              (10,883

              )

              Gains—lease debt restructurings

               

               

               

               

               

              5,292

               

              Gain—Allied Riser note settlement

               

               

               

               

              24,802

               

               

              Gain—Cisco credit facility—troubled debt restructuring

               

               

               

               

              215,432

               

               

              (Loss) income before extraordinary gain

               

              (11,761

              )

              (66,913

              )

              (100,286

              )

              140,743

               

              (89,660

              )

              Extraordinary gain—Allied Riser merger

               

               

               

              8,443

               

               

               

              Net (loss) income

               

              (11,761

              )

              (66,913

              )

              (91,843

              )

              140,743

               

              (89,660

              )

              Beneficial conversion of preferred stock

               

               

              (24,168

              )

               

              (52,000

              )

              (43,986

              )

              Net (loss) income applicable to common stock

               

              $

              (11,761

              )

              $

              (91,081

              )

              $

              (91,843

              )

              $

              88,743

               

              $(133,646

              )

              Net (loss) income applicable to common stock—basic

               

              $

              (170.16

              )

              $

              (1,295.60

              )

              $

              (564.45

              )

              $

              11.18

               

              $

              (175.03

              )

              Net (loss) income applicable common stock—diluted

               

              $

              (170.16

              )

              $

              (1,295.60

              )

              $

              (564.45

              )

              $

              11.18

               

              $

              (175.03

              )

              Weighted-average common shares—basic

               

              69,118

               

              70,300

               

              162,712

               

              7,935,831

               

              763,540

               

              Weighted-average common shares—diluted

               

              69,118

               

              70,300

               

              162,712

               

              7,938,898

               

              763,540

               

              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cash and cash equivalents

               

              $

              65,593

               

              $

              49,017

               

              $

              39,314

               

              $

              7,875

               

              $

              13,844

               

              Total assets

               

              187,740

               

              319,769

               

              407,677

               

              344,440

               

              378,586

               

              Long-term debt (including current portion) (net of unamortized discount of $78,140 in 2002, $6,084 in 2003 and $5,026 in 2004)

               

              77,936

               

              202,740

               

              347,930

               

              83,702

               

              126,382

               

              Preferred stock

               

              115,901

               

              177,246

               

              175,246

               

              97,681

               

              139,825

               

              Stockholders’ equity

               

              104,248

               

              110,214

               

              32,626

               

              244,754

               

              212,490

               

              OTHER OPERATING DATA:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net cash used in operating activities

               

              (16,370

              )

              (46,786

              )

              (41,567

              )

              (27,357

              )

              (26,425

              )

              Net cash used in  investing activities

               

              (80,989

              )

              (131,652

              )

              (19,786

              )

              (25,316

              )

              (2,701

              )

              Net cash provided by financing activities

               

              162,952

               

              161,862

               

              51,694

               

              20,562

               

              34,486

               

              All share and per-share data in the table above reflects the 1-for-10 reverse stock split that occurred in connection with our merger with Allied Riser in February 2002 and the 1-for-20 Reverse Stock Split that occurred in March 2005. In February 2005, all of our preferred stock was converted into common stock in the Equity Conversion.

              18




              ITEM 7.                MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

              You should read the following discussion and analysis together with “Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report. The discussion in this report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The cautionary statements made in this report should be read as applying to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this report. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed here. Factors that could cause or contribute to these stockholders would bedifferences include those discussed in “Risk Factors,” as well as those discussed elsewhere. You should read “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

              General Overview

              We are a leading facilities-based provider of low-cost, high-speed Internet access and IP communications services. Our network is specifically designed and optimized to transmit data using IP. IP networks are significantly less expensive to operate and are able to controlachieve higher performance levels than the outcome of all stockholders' votes, including votes concerning director elections, chartertraditional circuit-switched networks used by our competitors, thus giving us clear cost and bylaw amendments,performance advantages in our industry. We deliver our services to small and possible mergers, corporate control contests,medium-sized businesses, communications service providers and other bandwidth-intensive organizations through over 8,700 customer connections in North America and Europe. Our primary on-net service is Internet access at a speed of 100 Megabits per second, much faster than typical Internet access currently offered to businesses. We offer this on-net service exclusively through our own facilities, which run all the way to our customers’ premises.

              Our network is comprised of in-building riser facilities, metropolitan optical fiber networks, metropolitan traffic aggregation points and inter-city transport facilities. The network is physically connected entirely through our facilities to over 980 buildings in which we provide our on-net services, including over 800 multi-tenant office buildings. We also provide on-net services in carrier-neutral colocation facilities, data centers and single-tenant office buildings. Because of our integrated network architecture, we are not dependent on local telephone companies to serve our on-net customers. In addition to providing our on-net services, we also provide Internet connectivity to customers that are not located in buildings directly connected to our network. We serve these off-net customers using other carriers’ facilities to provide the last mile portion of the link from our customers’ premises to our network. We emphasize the sale of on-net services because sales of these services generate higher gross profit margins.

              We believe our key opportunity is provided by our high-capacity network, which provides us with the ability to add a significant corporate transactions including any goingnumber of customers to our network with minimal incremental costs. Our greatest challenge is adding customers to our network in a way that maximizes its use and at the same time provides us with a customer mix that produces strong profit margins. We are responding to this challenge by increasing our sales and marketing efforts. In addition, we may add customers to our network through strategic acquisitions.

              We plan to expand our network to locations that can be economically integrated and represent significant concentrations of Internet traffic. We believe that the relative maturities of our North American and European operations will result in the majority of this expansion occurring in Europe. We may identify locations that we desire to serve with our on-net product but cannot be cost effectively added to our network. The key to developing a profitable business will be to carefully match the expense of extending our network to reach new customers with the revenue generated by those customers.

              We believe the two most important trends in our industry are the continued growth in Internet traffic and a corresponding decline in Internet access prices. As Internet traffic continues to grow and prices per


              unit of traffic continue to decline, we believe our ability to load our network and gain market share from less efficient network operators will expand. However, continued erosion in Internet access prices will likely have a negative impact on our results of operations.

              We have grown our net service revenue from $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $91.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Net service revenue is determined by subtracting our allowances for sales credit adjustments and unfulfilled purchase obligations from our gross service revenue. We have generated our revenue growth through the strategic acquisitions of communications network assets and customers, primarily from financially distressed companies, the continued expansion of our network of on-net buildings and the increase in customers generated by our sales and marketing efforts.

              Our net service revenue is derived from our on-net, off-net and non-core services, which comprised 55.5%, 26.4% and 18.1% of our net service revenue, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 63.4%, 25.9% and 10.7% for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our on-net service consists of high-speed Internet access and IP connectivity ranging from 0.5 Megabits per second to several Gigabits per second of bandwidth. We offer our on-net services to customers located in buildings that are physically connected to our network. Off-net services are sold to businesses that are connected to our network primarily by means of T1, T3, E1 and E3 lines obtained from other carriers. Our non-core services, which consist of legacy services of companies whose assets or businesses we have acquired, include email, retail dial-up Internet access, shared web hosting, managed web hosting, managed security, voice services (only provided in Toronto, Canada), point to point private transaction. Although weline services, and services provided to LambdaNet Germany under a network sharing arrangement as discussed below. We do not foreseeactively market these non-core services and expect the net service revenue associated with them to continue to decline.

              We have grown our gross profit from $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $27.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our gross profit margin has expanded from 5.4% in 2002 to 30.5% for the year ended December 31, 2004. We determine gross profit by subtracting network operation expenses from our net service revenue (other than amortization of deferred compensation). The amortization of deferred compensation classified as cost of network services was $0.2 million, $1.3 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. We believe that our gross profit will benefit from the limited incremental expenses associated with providing service to new on-net customers. We have not allocated depreciation and amortization expense to our network operations expense.

              Due to our strategic acquisitions of network assets and equipment, we believe we are positioned to grow our revenue base and profitability without significant additional capital investments. We continue to deploy network equipment to other parts of our network to maximize the utilization of our assets without incurring significant additional capital expense. As a changeresult, our future capital expenditures will be based primarily on our planned expansion of control or going private transaction aton-net buildings and the present time,growth of our customer base. We anticipate that our future capital expenditure rate will be less than our historical capital expenditure rate.

              We plan to use part of the concentrationproceeds of our Public Offering, if consummated, to increase our number of on-net buildings by approximately 100, primarily by adding carrier-neutral facilities in Europe, over the next 12 months.

              Historically, our operating expenses have exceeded our net service revenue resulting in operating losses of $62.3 million, $81.2 million and $84.1 million in 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. In each of these periods, our operating expenses consisted primarily of the following:

              ·       Network operations expenses consist primarily of the cost of leased circuits, sites and facilities; telecommunications license agreements, network maintenance expenses, salaries of, and expenses related to, employees who are directly involved with maintenance and operation of our network, who we refer to as network employees.


              ·       Selling general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, bonuses and related benefits paid to our non-network employees and related selling and administrative costs.

              ·       Depreciation and amortization expenses result from the depreciation of our property and equipment, including the assets and capitalized expenses associated with our network and the amortization of our intangible assets.

              ·       Amortization of deferred compensation that results from the expense of amortizing the fair value of our stock ownershipoptions and restricted stock granted to our employees.

              Recent Developments

              Public Offering

              On February 14, 2005, we filed a registration statement to sell up to $86.3 million worth of shares of common stock in a public offering. There can be no assurances that the offering will be completed.

              Equity Conversion

              On February 15, 2005, the holders of our preferred stock converted all of their shares of preferred stock into shares of our common stock in the Equity Conversion. As a result, we no longer have outstanding shares of preferred stock and the liquidation preferences on our preferred stock have been eliminated.

              Subordinated Note

              On February 24, 2005, we issued a subordinated note in the principal amount of $10.0 million to Columbia Ventures Corporation. The note was issued pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement dated February 24, 2005. Columbia Ventures Corporation is owned by one of the Company’s directors and shareholders.

              Line of Credit

              On March 9, 2005, we entered into a line of credit with a commercial bank. The line of credit provides for borrowings of up to $10.0 million and is secured by our accounts receivable. The borrowing base is determined primarily by the aging characteristics related to our accounts receivable. On March 18, 2005, we borrowed $10.0 million against our North American accounts receivable under the line of credit. Of this amount $4.0 million is restricted and held by the lender.

              Reverse Stock Split

              On March 24, 2005, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts in this report have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to this event.

              Building Sale

              On March 30, 2005, we sold a building we owned located in Lyon, France for net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million. This transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $3.9 million.

              Acquisitions

              Since our inception, we have consummated 13 acquisitions through which we have generated revenue growth, expanded our network and customer base and added strategic assets to our business. We have accomplished this primarily by acquiring financially distressed companies or their assets at a significant discount to their original cost. The overall impact of these acquisitions on the operation of our business has


              been to extend the physical reach of our network in both North America and Europe, expand the breadth of our service offerings, and increase the number of customers to whom we provide our services. The overall impact of these acquisitions on our balance sheet and cash flows has been to significantly increase the assets on our balance sheet, including cash in the case of the Allied Riser merger, increase our indebtedness and increase our cash flows from operations due to our increased customer base. A substantial portion of our historical growth in net service revenue has been generated by the customer contracts we have acquired. We have historically experienced a decline in revenue attributable to acquired customers as these customers’ contracts have expired and they have entered into standard Cogent customer contracts at generally lower rates or have chosen not to renew service with us. We anticipate that we will experience similar declines with respect to customers we have acquired or will acquire.

               Verio Acquisition

              In December 2004, we acquired most of the off-net Internet access customers of Verio Inc., a leading global IP provider and subsidiary of NTT Communications Corp. The acquired assets included over 3,700 customer connections located in 23 of our U.S. markets, customer accounts receivable and certain network equipment. We assumed the liabilities associated with providing services to these customers including vendor relationships, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities. We are integrating these acquired assets into our operations and onto our network.

              Acquisition of Aleron Broadband Services

              In October 2004, we acquired certain assets of Aleron Broadband Services, formally known as AGIS Internet, and $18.5 million in cash, in exchange for 3,700 shares of our Series M preferred stock, which converted into approximately 5.7 million shares of our common stock in the Equity Conversion. We acquired Aleron’s customer base and network, as well as Aleron’s Internet access and managed modem service. We are integrating these acquired assets into our operations and onto our network.

              Acquisition of Global Access

              In September 2004, we issued 185 shares of our Series L preferred stock in exchange for the majority of the assets of Global Access Telecommunications Inc. The Series L preferred stock issued in the transaction converted into approximately 0.3 million shares of our common stock in the Equity Conversion. Global Access provided Internet access and other data services in Germany. We acquired over 350 customers in Germany as a result of the acquisition and have completed the process of migrating these customers onto our network.

              Acquisition of UFO Group, Inc.

              In August 2004, we acquired certain assets of Unlimited Fiber Optics, Inc., or UFO, for 2,600 shares of our Series K preferred stock. The preferred stock issued in the merger converted into approximately 0.8 million shares of our common stock in the Equity Conversion. Among these assets is UFO’s customer base, which is comprised of data service customers located in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The acquired assets also included net cash of approximately $1.9 million and customer accounts receivable. We are in the process of integrating these acquired assets into our operations and onto our network and we expect to complete this integration in the second quarter of 2005.

              Acquisition of European Network

              In 2004 we expanded our operations into Europe through a series of acquisitions in which we acquired customers and extended our network, primarily in France, Spain, and Germany.


              In September 2003, we began exploring the possibility of acquiring LNG Holdings SA, or LNG, an operator of a European telecommunications network that was on the verge of insolvency. We determined that an acquisition of LNG in whole was not advisable at that time; however, the private equity funds that owned LNG refused to consider a transaction in which we would acquire only parts of the network. In order to prevent LNG from liquidating and to preserve our ability to structure an acceptable acquisition, in November 2003, our Chief Executive Officer formed a corporation that acquired a 90% interest in LNG in return for a commitment to cause at least $2 million to be invested in LNG’s subsidiary LambdaNet France and an indemnification of LNG’s selling stockholders by us and the acquiring corporation. In November 2003, we reached an agreement with investment funds associated with BNP Paribas and certain of our existing investors regarding the acquisition of the LNG networks in France, Spain and Germany.

              We completed the first step of the European network acquisition in January 2004. The investors funded a corporation that they controlled with $2.5 million and acquired Firstmark Communications Participation S.à r.l., now named Cogent Europe S.à r.l., the parent holding company of LambdaNet France and LambdaNet Spain, from LNG for one euro, or $1.30. As consideration, the investors, through the corporation they controlled, entered into a commitment to use reasonable efforts to cause LNG to be released from a guarantee of certain obligations of LambdaNet France and a commitment to fund LambdaNet France with $2.0 million. That corporation was then merged into one of our subsidiaries in a transaction in which the investors received 2,575 shares of Series I preferred stock that converted into approximately 0.8 million shares of our common stock in the Equity Conversion.

              The planned second step of the transaction was the acquisition of the German network of LNG. We attempted to structure an acceptable acquisition that would have entailed using $19.5 million allocated by the investors to restructure the existing bank debt of LambdaNet Germany; however, we subsequently concluded that it was unlikely that we could structure an acceptable acquisition of LambdaNet Germany and we began to seek an alternative German network acquisition in order to complete the European portion of our network and meet the conditions required to cause the investors to fund $19.5 million.

              In March 2004, we identified network assets in Germany formerly operated as part of the Carrier 1 network as an attractive acquisition opportunity. Pursuant to the November commitment, the investors funded a newly-formed Delaware corporation with $19.5 million, and the corporation through a German subsidiary acquired the rights to certain assets of the Carrier 1 network in return for 2.2 million euros, or $2.9 million. That corporation then was merged into one of our subsidiaries in a transaction in which the investors received shares of our Series J preferred stock that converted into approximately 6.0 million shares of our common stock in the Equity Conversion.

              Acquisition of Assets of Fiber Network Services

              In February 2003, we acquired the principal assets of Fiber Network Services, Inc., or FNSI, an Internet service provider in the midwestern United States, in exchange for options to purchase 6,000 shares of our common stock and the assumption of certain of FNSI’s liabilities.

              Acquisition of PSINet Assets

              In April 2002, we purchased the principal U.S. assets of PSINet, Inc. out of bankruptcy in exchange for $9.5 million and the assumption of certain liabilities. With the acquisition of PSINet assets we began to offer our off-net service and acquired significant non-core services.

              Allied Riser Merger

              In February 2002, we acquired Allied Riser Communications Corporation, a facilities-based provider of broadband data, video and voice communications services to small and medium-sized businesses in the United States and Canada in exchange for the issuance of approximately 0.1 million shares of our common


              stock. As a result of the merger, Allied Riser became a wholly-owned subsidiary. In connection with the merger, we became co-obligor under Allied Riser’s 71¤2% Convertible Subordinated Notes.

              Results of Operations

              Our management reviews and analyzes several key performance indicators in order to manage our business and assess the quality of and potential variability of our net service revenues and cash flows. These key performance indicators include:

              ·       net service revenues, which are an indicator of our overall business growth;

              ·       gross profit, which is an indicator of both our service offering mix, competitive pressures and the cost of our network operations;

              ·       growth in our on-net customer base, which is an indicator of the success of our on-net focused sales efforts;

              ·       growth in our on-net buildings; and

              ·       distribution of revenue across our service offerings.

              Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004

              The following summary table presents a comparison of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 with respect to certain key financial measures. The comparisons illustrated in the table are discussed in greater detail below.

               

               

              Year Ended
              December 31,

               

              Percent

               

               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Change

               

               

               

              (in thousands)

               

               

               

              Net service revenue

               

              $

              59,422

               

              $

              91,286

               

              53.6

              %

              Network operations expenses(1)

               

              47,017

               

              63,466

               

              35.0

              %

              Gross profit(2)

               

              12,405

               

              27,820

               

              124.3

              %

              Selling, general, and administrative expenses(3)

               

              26,570

               

              40,382

               

              52.0

              %

              Restructuring charge

               

               

              1,821

               

               

              Terminated public offering costs

               

               

              779

               

               

              Depreciation and amortization expenses

               

              48,387

               

              56,645

               

              17.1

              %

              Gain—Cisco troubled debt restructuring

               

              215,432

               

               

               

              Gain—Allied Riser note exchange

               

              24,802

               

               

               

              Gains—lease obligations restructuring

               

               

              5,292

               

               

              Net income (loss)

               

              140,743

               

              (89,660

              )

              (163.7

              )%


              (1)          Excludes amortization of deferred compensation of $1,307 and $858 in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively, which, if included would have the effect of preventing or delayingresulted in a period-to-period change of control33.1%.

              (2)   Excludes amortization of deferred compensation of $1,307 and $858 in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively, which if included would have resulted in a period-to-period change of 142.9%.

              (3)          Excludes amortization of deferred compensation of $17,368 and $11,404 in the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively, which, if included would have resulted in a period-to-period change of 17.9%.


              Net Service Revenue.   Our net service revenue increased 53.6% from $59.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $91.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2004. The $31.9 million increase in net service revenue is attributable to $26.6 million of net service revenue from the customers acquired in the Cogent Europe, UFO, Global Access, Aleron and Verio acquisitions and a $16.0 million increase in organic revenue. We define organic revenue as revenue derived from contracts obtained as a result of our sales efforts. Revenue from acquired customers who enter into contracts with us once their existing contracts expire or otherwise discouragingamend their acquired contract are reflected as organic revenue. These increases were partially offset by a potential acquirer$10.6 million decrease in revenue from attemptingthe expiration or termination of customer contracts acquired from Allied Riser, PSINet and FNSI, although many of these customers entered into new contracts with us once their existing contracts expired, and as such, the revenue of these contracts is reflected in the increase in organic revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, on-net, off-net and non-core services represented 55.5%, 26.4% and 18.1% and 63.4%, 25.9% and 10.7% of our net service revenues, respectively.

              Our net service revenue related to obtain controlour acquisitions is included in our statements of us,operations from the acquisition dates. Net service revenue from our January 5, 2004 Cogent Europe acquisition totaled approximately $23.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Approximately $2.0 million of the Cogent Europe net service revenue during the period was derived from network sharing services rendered to LambdaNet Communications Deutschland AG, or LambdaNet Germany. LambdaNet Germany was majority-owned by LNG Holdings until April 2004 when it was sold to an unrelated third party. In the first quarter of 2005, this network sharing arrangement was eliminated. Net service revenue from our UFO, Aleron and Verio acquisitions which occurred in turn could harmAugust 2004, October 2004 and December 2004, respectively, totaled $5.8 million for the marketyear ended December 31, 2004.

              Network Operations Expenses.   Our network operations expenses, excluding the amortization of deferred compensation, increased 35.0% from $47.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $63.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase is primarily attributable to $15.4 million of costs incurred in connection with the operation of our European network after our Cogent Europe and Global Access acquisitions. For the year ended December 31, 2004, Cogent Europe recorded $1.8 million of costs associated with using the LambdaNet Germany network. In the first quarter of 2005, this network sharing arrangement was eliminated. Our total cost of network operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004 includes approximately $1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred compensation expense classified as cost of network operations.

              Gross profit. Our gross profit, excluding amortization of deferred compensation, increased 124.3% from $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $27.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The $15.4 million increase is attributed to our increase in net service revenue.

              Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.   Our SG&A expenses, excluding the amortization of deferred compensation, increased 52.0% from $26.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $40.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. SG&A expenses increased primarily from the $13.2 million of SG&A expenses associated with our operations in Europe after our Cogent Europe and Global Access acquisitions. Our total SG&A expenses for the years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004 include $17.4 million and $11.4 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred compensation.

              Amortization of Deferred Compensation.   The total amortization of deferred compensation decreased from $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $12.3 million for the year ending December 31, 2004.

              Deferred compensation is related to restricted shares of Series H preferred stock granted to our employees primarily in October 2003 under our 2003 Incentive Award Plan and the amortization of $4.7 million of deferred compensation related to options for shares of Series H preferred stock. These


              options were granted to certain of our employees in the third quarter of 2004 with an exercise price on an as-converted basis below the trading price of our common stock or prevent our stockholders from realizingon the grant date. We amortize deferred compensation costs on a takeover premiumstraight-line basis over the market price for theirservice period.

              Restructuring charge.   In July 2004, we abandoned an office in Paris obtained in the Cogent Europe acquisition and relocated operations to another Cogent Europe facility. We recorded a total restructuring charge of approximately $1.8 million related to the remaining commitment on the lease less our estimated sublease income.

              Withdrawal of Public Offering.   In May 2004, we filed a registration statement to sell shares of common stock.stock in a public offering. In October 2004, we withdrew this registration statement and expensed the associated deferred costs of approximately $0.8 million.

              Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.   Our depreciation and amortization expense increased 17.1% from $48.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $56.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Of this increase, $8.2 million resulted from depreciation and amortization of assets acquired in our Cogent Europe and Global Access acquisitions.

              Gain—Credit Facility Restructuring.   The restructuring of our Cisco credit facility on July 31, 2003 resulted in a gain of approximately $215.4 million. The gain resulting from the retirement of the amounts outstanding under the credit facility was determined as follows (in thousands):

              Cash paid

               

              $

              20,000

               

              Issuance of Series F preferred stock

               

              11,000

               

              Amended and Restated Cisco Note, principal plus future interest

               

              17,842

               

              Transaction costs

               

              1,167

               

              Total Consideration

               

              $

              50,009

               

              Amount outstanding under Cisco credit facility

               

              (262,812

              )

              Interest accrued under the Cisco credit facility

               

              (6,303

              )

              Book value of cancelled warrants

               

              (8,248

              )

              Book value of unamortized loan costs

               

              11,922

               

              Total Indebtedness prior to recapitalization

               

              $

              (265,441

              )

              Gain from recapitalization

               

              $

              215,432

               

              Gain—Allied Riser Note Exchange.   In connection with the exchange and settlement related to our 71¤2% Convertible Subordinated Notes we recorded a gain of approximately $24.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2003. This gain resulted from the difference between the $36.5 million net book value of the notes ($106.7 million face value less the related unamortized discount of $70.2 million) and $2.0 million of accrued interest, the cash consideration of $5.0 million and the $8.5 million estimated fair market value for the Series D and Series E preferred stock issued to the noteholders less approximately $0.2 million of transaction costs. The estimated fair market value for the Series D and Series E preferred stock was determined by using the price per share of our Series C preferred stock, which represented our most recent equity transaction for cash.

              Gain—Lease obligations restructuring.   In 2004, we re-negotiated several lease obligations for our intra-city fiber in France and Spain. These transactions resulted gains of approximately $5.3 million recorded as gains on lease obligation restructurings in the accompanying statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              26




              In March 2004, Cogent France paid approximately $0.3 million and settled amounts due from and due to a vendor. The vendor leased Cogent France its office facility and intra-city IRU and was and continues to be a customer of Cogent France. The settlement agreement also restructured the IRU capital lease by reducing the 2.8 million euros, or $3.7 million, January 2007 lease payment by 1.0 million euros, or $1.3 million, and reducing the 2.5 million euros, or $3.3 million, January 2008 lease payment by 1.0 million euros, or $1.3 million. Under the settlement the lessor also agreed to purchase a minimum annual commitment of IP services from Cogent France. This transaction resulted in a reduction to the capital lease obligation and IRU asset of approximately $1.9 million.

              In November 2004, Cogent Spain negotiated modifications to an IRU capital lease and note obligation with a vendor resulting in a 4.4 million euro, or $5.2 million, gain. In exchange for the return of one of two strands of leased optical fiber, Cogent Spain reduced its quarterly IRU lease payments, modified its payments and eliminated accrued and future interest on its note obligation. The note obligation arose in 2003, when Cogent Spain, then LambdaNet España S.A, negotiated a settlement with the vendor that included converting certain amounts due under the capital lease into a note obligation. The 8.3 million euro, or $10.8 million, note obligation had a term of twelve years and bore interest at 5% with a two-year grace period and was repayable in forty equal installments. The first installment was due in 2005. The modified note is interest free and includes nineteen equal quarterly installments of approximately 0.2 million euros, or $0.3 million, and a final payment of 4.1 million euros, or $5.3 million, due in January 2010. Cogent Spain paid 0.2 million euros, or $0.3 million, at settlement. The modification to the note obligation resulted in a gain of approximately $0.2 million.

              Net Income (Loss).   Net income was $140.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to a net loss of $(89.7) million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 are gains from debt restructurings totaling $240.2 million.

              Anti-takeover provisions could prevent or delayYear Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003

              The following summary table presents a comparison of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 with respect to certain key financial measures. The comparisons illustrated in the table are discussed in greater detail below.

               

               

              Year Ended
              December 31,

               

              Percent

               

               

               

              2002

               

              2003

               

              Change

               

               

               

              (in thousands)

               

              Net service revenue

               

              $

              51,913

               

              $

              59,422

               

               

              14.5

              %

               

              Network operations expenses(1)

               

              49,091

               

              47,017

               

               

              (4.2

              )%

               

              Gross profit(2)

               

              2,822

               

              12,405

               

               

              340.0

              %

               

              Selling, general, and administrative expenses(3)

               

              33,495

               

              26,570

               

               

              (20.7

              )%

               

              Depreciation and amortization expenses

               

              33,990

               

              48,387

               

               

              42.4

              %

               

              Gain—Cisco troubled debt restructuring

               

               

              215,432

               

               

               

               

              Gain—Allied Riser note exchange

               

               

              24,802

               

               

               

               

              Net (loss) income

               

              (91,843

              )

              140,743

               

               

              253.2

              %

               


              (1)          Excludes amortization of deferred compensation of $233 and $1,307 in the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively, which, if included, would have resulted in a period-to-period change of control.(2.0)%.

                      Provisions(2)   Excludes amortization of deferred compensation of $233 and $1,307 in the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively, which if included, would have resulted in a period-to-period change of 328.7%.


              (3)          Excludes amortization of deferred compensation of $3,098 and $17,368 in the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively, which, if included, would have resulted in a period-to-period change of 20.1%.

              Net Service Revenue.   Our net service revenue increased 14.5% from $51.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $59.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This $7.5 million increase was primarily attributable to a $16.5 million, or a 99.5% increase in revenue from customers purchasing our on-net Internet access service offerings, and a $3.7 million increase in off-net revenue attributable to the customers acquired in the FNSI acquisition. FNSI revenue is included in our consolidated net service revenue since the closing of the acquisition on February 28, 2003. The increase was partially offset by a $15.5 million, or 50.9% decline in net service revenue derived from customers acquired in our April 2, 2002 acquisition of certain PSINet customer accounts, although many of these customers re-signed their contracts with us once their existing PSINet contracts expired and as such, the revenue of these contracts is reflected in the increase in net service revenue.

              Network Operations Expenses.   Our network operations expenses, excluding the amortization of deferred compensation, decreased 4.2% from $49.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $47.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This decrease was primarily due to a $2.0 million decrease during the year ended December 31, 2003 in recurring and transitional PSINet circuit fees associated with providing our off-net services compared to the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease in circuit fees was primarily driven by a reduction in the number of off-net customers that we served during 2003 and the termination of the transitional fees related to the PSINet acquisition.

              Gross Profit.   Our gross profit, excluding amortization of deferred compensation, increased 340.0% from $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The $9.6 million increase is primarily attributed to our $7.5 million increase in net service revenue.

              Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.   Our SG&A expenses, excluding the amortization of deferred compensation, decreased 20.7% from $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $26.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. SG&A for the years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003 included approximately $3.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, of expenses related to our allowance for uncollectable accounts. The decrease in SG&A expenses was due to a reduction in transitional activities associated with the Allied Riser, PSINet and FNSI acquisitions and a decrease in headcount during 2003 as compared to 2002.

              Amortization of Deferred Compensation.   The amortization of deferred compensation increased from $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $18.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2003. The increase is attributed to the amortization of deferred compensation related to restricted shares of Series H preferred stock granted to our employees primarily in October 2003 under our 2003 Incentive Award Plan.

              Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.   Our depreciation and amortization expenses increased 42.4% from $34.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $48.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. This increase occurred primarily because we had more capital equipment and IRUs in service in 2003 than in the 2002. The increase was also attributable to an increase in amortization expense in the 2003 period over 2002. Amortization expense increased because we had more intangible assets during 2003 than in 2002.

              Settlement of Allied Riser Noteholder Litigation and Gain on Note Exchange.   In connection with the note exchange and settlement with certain Allied Riser note holders we recorded a gain of approximately $24.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2003. The gain resulted from the difference between the $36.5 million net book value of the notes ($106.7 million face value less an unamortized discount of $70.2 million) and $2.0 million of accrued interest and the consideration of approximately $5.0 million in


              cash and the $8.5 million estimated fair market value for the Series D and Series E preferred stock issued to the noteholders less approximately $0.2 million of transaction costs.

              Gain on Cisco Recapitalization.   The restructuring of our previous Cisco credit facility on July 31, 2003 resulted in a gain of approximately $215.4 million. On a basic income and diluted income per share basis the gain was $27.15 and $27.14 for the year ended December 31, 2003, respectively.

              Net (Loss) Income.   As a result of the foregoing, we incurred a net loss of $(91.8) million for the year ended December 31, 2002 and net income of $140.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

              Liquidity and Capital Resources

              In assessing our liquidity, our management reviews and analyzes our current cash on-hand, our accounts receivable, accounts payable, foreign exchange rates, capital expenditure commitments, and our required debt payments and other obligations.

              During 2003, 2004 and 2005, we engaged in a series of transactions pursuant to which we significantly reduced our indebtedness and/or improved our liquidity. These included the following:

              ·       On March 30, 2005, Cogent France sold its building located in Lyon, France for net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million.

              ·       On March 9, 2005, we entered into a line of credit with a commercial bank. The line of credit provides for borrowings of up to $10.0 million and is secured by our accounts receivable. On March 18, 2005, we borrowed $10.0 million against our North American accounts receivable under the line of credit. Of this amount $4.0 million is restricted and held by the lender.

              ·       On February 24, 2005, we issued a subordinated note in the principal amount of $10.0 million to Columbia Ventures Corporation in exchange for $10 million in cash.

              ·       During 2004, in connection with our acquisitions of Aleron and UFO Group and the acquisition of our European Network, we acquired cash totaling approximately $42.2 million.

              ·       In March 2004, Cogent France reduced its obligation under its intra-city IRU by approximately $2.6 million.

              ·       In November 2004, Cogent Spain reduced its quarterly IRU lease payments, modified its payments and eliminated accrued and future interest on its note obligation resulting in a gain of approximately $5.2 million.

              ·In July 2003, we reduced the $269.1 million in principal amount of then-outstanding indebtedness and accrued interest under our Cisco Credit facility in exchange for a cash payment of $20.0 million, the issuance of 11,000 shares of our Series F preferred stock and the issuance of a $17.0 million Amended and Restated Promissory Note.

              ·       In March 2003, we entered an agreement with the holders of approximately $106.7 million in face value of 71¤2% Convertible Subordinated Notes pursuant to which the noteholders agreed to surrender their notes, including accrued and unpaid interest, in exchange for a cash payment of $5.0 million and the issuance of 3.4 million shares each of our Series D and Series E preferred stock and to dismiss with prejudice their litigation against Allied Riser, in exchange for a cash payment of $4.9 million.


              Cash Flows

              The following table sets forth our consolidated cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003, and 2004.

               

               

              Year Ended December 31,

               

               

               

              2002

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

               

               

              (in thousands)

               

              Net cash used in operating activities

               

              $

              (41,567

              )

              $

              (27,357

              )

              $

              (26,425

              )

              Net cash used in by investing activities

               

              (19,786

              )

              (25,316

              )

              (2,701

              )

              Net cash provided by financing activities

               

              51,694

               

              20,562

               

              34,486

               

              Effect of exchange rates on cash

               

              (44

              )

              672

               

              609

               

              Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents during period

               

              $

              (9,703

              )

              $

              (31,439

              )

              $

              5,969

               

              Net Cash Used in Operating Activities.   Net cash used in operating activities was $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $26.4 million for 2004. Our primary sources of operating cash are receipts from our customers who are billed on a monthly basis for our services. Our primary uses of operating cash are payments made to our vendors and employees. Our net income was $140.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to a net loss of $89.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 included a non-cash gain of $24.8 million related to our settlement with certain Allied Riser note holders and a non-cash gain of $215.4 million related to the restructuring of our Cisco credit facility. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 included a non-cash gain of $5.3 million related to our restructuring of certain lease obligations. Depreciation and amortization, including the amortization of deferred compensation and the debt discount on the Allied Riser notes was $70.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, and $70.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Net changes in current in assets and liabilities resulted in an increase to operating cash of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and a decrease in operating cash of $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Payments for accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximated collections of accounts receivable for the year ended December 31, 2003 and payments for accounts payable and accrued liabilities exceeded collections of accounts receivable by $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              Net cash used in operating activities was $41.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Net loss was $91.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Net income was $140.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2002 includes an extraordinary gain of $8.4 million related to the Allied Riser merger. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 includes a non-cash gain of $215.4 million related to the restructuring of our credit facility with Cisco Capital and a $24.8 million non-cash gain related to the exchange of Allied Riser subordinated convertible notes. Depreciation and amortization including amortization of debt discount and deferred compensation was $45.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 and $70.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Net changes in current assets and liabilities resulted in an increase to operating cash of $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 and an increase to operating cash of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Payments for accounts payable and accrued liabilities exceeded collections of accounts receivable by $16.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Payments for accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximated collections of accounts receivable for the year ended December 31, 2003.

              Net Cash Used In By Investing Activities.   Net cash used in investing activities was $19.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, $25.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our primary uses of investing cash during 2002 were $75.2 million for the purchase of property and equipment, $9.6 million for the purchase of intangible assets in connection


              with our PSINet acquisition, $3.6 million in connection with our acquisition of the minority interest in Cogent Canada, Inc. and $1.8 million for purchases of short term investments. Cash expenditures were partially offset during 2002 by the $70.4 million of cash and cash equivalents that we acquired in connection with the Allied Riser merger. Our primary use of investing cash during 2003 was $24.0 million for the purchase of property and equipment in connection with the deployment of our network. Our primary uses of investing cash during 2004 were $2.4 million for the purchase of property and equipment and $1.9 million for the purchase of a network in Germany. Our primary sources of investing cash were $2.3 million of cash acquired from our acquisitions of Cogent Europe and Global Access and $6.8 million from the proceeds of the sale of equipment, short term investments and a warrant.

              Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities.   Financing activities provided net cash of $51.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $34.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Net cash provided by financing activities during 2002 resulted principally from borrowings under our previous Cisco credit facility of $54.4 million, partially offset by $2.7 million in capital lease repayments. Net cash provided by financing activities during 2003 resulted principally from borrowings under our previous Cisco credit facility of $8.0 million and net proceeds of $40.6 million from the sale of our Series G preferred stock, partially offset by a $5.0 million payment related to the Allied Riser note exchange, a $20.0 million payment to Cisco Capital in connection with the Cisco recapitalization and $3.1 million in capital lease repayments. Net cash from financing activities during 2004 resulted from $42.4 million of acquired cash related to our mergers with Symposium Gamma, Symposium Omega, UFO Group, and Cogent Potomac. Net cash used in financing activities for 2004 include a $1.2 million payment to LNG Holdings and $6.6 million for principal payments under our capital leases.

              Cash Position and Indebtedness

              Our total indebtedness, net of discount, at December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 was $347.9 million, $83.7 million and $126.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2004, our total cash and cash equivalents were $13.8 million. Our total indebtedness at December 31, 2004 includes $103.4 million of the present value of capital lease obligations for dark fiber primarily under 15-25 year IRUs, of which approximately $7.5 million is considered a current liability.

              Subordinated Note

              On February 24, 2005, we issued a subordinated note in the principal amount of $10.0 million to Columbia Ventures Corporation in exchange for $10 million in cash. The note was issued pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement dated February 24, 2005. Columbia Ventures Corporation is owned by one of the Company’s directors and shareholders. The note has an initial interest rate of 10% per annum and the interest rate increases by one percent on August 24, 2005, six months after the note was issued, and by a further one percent at the end of each successive six-month period up to a maximum of 17%. Interest on the note accrues and is payable on the note’s maturity date of February 24, 2009. We may prepay the note in whole or in part at any time. The terms of the note require the payment of all principal and accrued interest upon the occurrence of a liquidity event, which is defined as an equity offering of at least $30 million in net proceeds. Our Public Offering would constitute a liquidity event and would require us to use a portion of the proceeds of the offering to repay the principal and accrued interest on the note. The note is subordinated to the debt evidenced by the Amended and Restated Cisco Note, as well as our accounts receivable line of credit obtained in March 2005. Management believes that the terms of the note are at least as favorable as those we would have been able to obtain from an unaffiliated third party.


              Line of Credit

              On March 9, 2005, we entered into a line of credit with a commercial bank. The line of credit provides for borrowings of up to $10.0 million and is secured by our accounts receivable. The borrowing base is determined primarily by the aging characteristics related to our accounts receivable. On March 18, 2005, we borrowed $10.0 million against our North American accounts receivable under the line of credit. Of this amount $4.0 million is restricted and held by the lender. Borrowings under the line of credit accrue interest at the prime rate plus 1.5% and may, in certain circumstances, be reduced to the prime rate plus 0.5%. Our obligations under the line of credit are secured by a first priority lien in certain of our accounts receivable and are guaranteed by our material domestic subsidiaries. The agreements governing the line of credit contain certain customary representations and warranties, covenants, notice provisions and events of default.

              Amended and Restated Cisco Note

              In connection with the Cisco recapitalization, we amended our credit agreement with Cisco Capital. The Amended and restated certificateRestated Credit Agreement became effective at the closing of incorporationthe recapitalization on July 31, 2003. Our remaining $17.0 million of indebtedness to Cisco is evidenced by a promissory note, which we refer to as the Amended and amendedRestated Cisco Note. The Amended and restated bylawsRestated Cisco Note eliminated the covenants related to our financial performance. Cisco Capital retained its senior security interest in substantially all of our assets, except that we are permitted to subordinate Cisco Capital’s security interest in our accounts receivable.

              The Cisco recapitalization was considered a troubled debt restructuring under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 15, Accounting by Debtors and Delaware lawCreditors of Troubled Debt Restructurings. Under SFAS No. 15, the Amended and Restated Cisco Note was recorded at its principal amount of $17.0 million plus the estimated future interest payments of $0.8 million.

              Convertible Subordinated Notes.

              In connection with the March 2003 exchange and settlement related to our Convertible Subordinated Notes, we eliminated $106.7 of principal and $2.0 million of accrued interest. The terms of the remaining $10.2 million of Convertible Subordinated Notes were not impacted by the exchange and settlement and they continue to be due on June 15, 2007.

              Contractual Obligations and Commitments

              The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2004:

               

               

              Payments due by period

               

               

               

              Total

               

              Less than
              1 year

               

              1-3 years

               

              4-5 years

               

              After
              5 years

               

               

               

              (in thousands)

               

              Long term debt

               

              $

              28,033

               

              $

               

              $

              23,010

               

              $

              5,023

               

              $

               

              Capital lease obligations

               

              169,296

               

              15,938

               

              27,602

               

              23,117

               

              102,639

               

              Operating leases(1)

               

              196,707

               

              27,283

               

              42,767

               

              30,551

               

              96,106

               

              Unconditional purchase obligations

               

              3,956

               

              264

               

              528

               

              528

               

              2,636

               

              Total contractual cash obligations

               

              397,992

               

              43,485

               

              93,907

               

              59,219

               

              201,381

               


              (1)          These amounts include $199.3 million of operating lease, maintenance and license agreement obligations, reduced by sublease agreements of $2.6 million.


              Capital Lease Obligations.   The capital lease obligations above were incurred in connection with our IRUs for inter-city and intra-city dark fiber underlying substantial portions of our network. These capital leases are presented on our balance sheet at the net present value of the future minimum lease payments, or $103.4 million at December 31, 2004. These leases generally have terms of 15 to 25 years.

              Letters of Credit.   We are also party to letters of credit totaling $1.7 million at December 31, 2004. These obligations are fully secured by our restricted investments, and as a result, are excluded from the contractual cash obligations above.

              Future Capital Requirements

              We believe that our cash on hand which includes cash obtained in 2005 from our line of credit, subordinated note and building sale, together with cash flows from operations, will be adequate to meet our working capital, capital expenditure, debt service and other cash requirements for the foreseeable future if we execute our business plan. Our business plan assumes, among other things, the following:

              ·       our ability to maintain or increase the size of our current customer base; and

              ·       our ability to achieve expected cost savings as a result of the integration of our recent acquisitions into our business.

              Additionally, any future acquisitions or other significant unplanned costs or cash requirements may require that we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt or equity. We cannot assure you that such financing will be available on terms acceptable to us or our stockholders, or at all. Insufficient funds may require us to delay or scale back the number of buildings that we serve or require us to otherwise alter our business plan or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, substantial dilution to existing stockholders may result.

              We may elect to purchase or otherwise retire the remaining $10.2 million face value of Allied Riser notes with cash, stock or assets from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions, either directly or through intermediaries where we believe that market conditions are favorable to do so. Such purchases may have a material effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

              Public Offering

              On February 14, 2005, we filed a registration statement on a Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the sale of up to $86.3 million of our common stock in our Public Offering. There can be no assurances that the offering will be completed.

              Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

              We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts. As such, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships.

              Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates

              Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make it more difficult


              estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates including those related to allowances for doubtful accounts, revenue allowances, long-lived assets, contingencies and litigation, and the carrying values of assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

              The accounting policies we believe to be most critical to understanding our financial results and condition and that require complex, significant and subjective management judgments are discussed below. We have not experienced significant revisions to our assumptions except to the extent that they result from (1) variations in the trading price of our common stock which has caused us to revise the assumptions that we use in determining deferred compensation, (2) changes in the amount and aging of our accounts receivable which have caused us to revise the assumptions that we use in determining our allowance for doubtful accounts, (3) changes in interest rates which have caused us to revise the assumptions that we use in determining the present value of future minimum lease payments and (4) changes in estimated sub-lease income which has caused us to revise our restructuring accrual.

              Revenue Recognition

              We recognize service revenue when the services are performed, evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed and determinable and collection is probable. Service discounts and incentives offered to certain customers are recorded as a reduction of revenue when granted or ratably over the estimated customer life. Fees billed in connection with customer installations and other upfront charges are deferred and recognized ratably over the estimated customer life. We determine the estimated customer life using a historical analysis of customer retention. If our estimated customer life increases, we will recognize installation revenue over a longer period. We expense direct costs associated with sales as incurred.

              Allowances for Sales Credits and Unfulfilled Purchase Obligations

              We have established allowances to account for sales credit adjustments and unfulfilled contractual purchase obligations.

              ·       Our allowance for sales credit adjustments is designed to account for reductions to our service revenue that occur when customers are granted a termination of service adjustment for amounts billed in advance or a service level agreement credit or discount. This allowance is provided for by reducing our gross service revenue and is determined by actual credits granted during the period and an estimate of unprocessed credits. At any point in time this allowance is determined by the amount and nature of credits granted prior to the balance sheet date.

              ·       Our allowance for unfulfilled contractual purchase obligations is designed to account for non-payment of amounts under agreements that we have with certain of our customers that place minimum purchase obligations on them. Although we vigorously seek payments due pursuant to these purchase obligations, we have historically collected only approximately 4% of these payments. In order to allow for this we reduce our gross service revenue by the amount that has been invoiced to these customers. We reduce this allowance and recognize the related service revenue only upon the receipt of cash payments in respect of these invoices. At any point in time this allowance is determined by the amount of unfulfilled contractual purchase obligations invoiced to our customers and with respect to which we are continuing to seek payment. Once we submit these accounts receivable to a third party collection agency, this allowance is reduced.


              Valuation Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable and Deferred Tax Assets

              We have established allowances that we use in connection with valuing expense charges associated with uncollectible accounts receivable and our deferred tax assets.

              ·       Our valuation allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable is designed to acquire us, even if doing so wouldaccount for the expense associated with writing off accounts receivable that we estimate will not be beneficial tocollected. We provide for this by increasing our stockholders. These provisions includeselling, general and administrative expenses by the "staggered" natureamount of receivables that we estimate will not be collected. We assess the adequacy of this allowance monthly by evaluating general factors, such as the length of time individual receivables are past due, historical collection experience, the economic and competitive environment, and changes in the credit-worthiness of our board of directors which results in directors being elected for terms of three years andcustomers. We also assess the ability of specific customers to meet their financial obligations to us and establish specific allowances based on the preferred stockholdersamount we expect to designate fourcollect from these customers. As of December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable comprised, 26.8%, 36.1% and 19.2% of our seven directors. These provisionstotal accounts receivable. For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, our allowance for doubtful accounts expense accounted for 8.8%, 8.8% and 7.7% of our total SG&A expenses, respectively.

              ·       Our valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset is designed to take into account the uncertainty surrounding the realization of our net operating losses and our other deferred tax assets in the event that we record positive income for income tax purposes. For federal and state tax purposes, our net operating loss carry-forwards, including those that we have generated through our operations and those acquired in the Allied Riser merger could be subject to significant limitations on annual use. To account for this uncertainty we have recorded a valuation allowance for the full amount of our net deferred tax asset. As a result the value of our deferred tax assets on our balance sheet is zero.

              Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

              We review our long-lived assets, including property and equipment, and intangible assets with definite useful lives to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount should be addressed pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Pursuant to SFAS No. 144, impairment is determined by comparing the carrying value of these long-lived assets to our best estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition over the remaining useful life of the primary asset in the asset group. As of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, we tested our long-lived assets for impairment. In the event that there are changes in the planned use of our long-lived assets, or our expected future undiscounted cash flows are reduced significantly, our assessment of our ability to recover the carrying value of these assets under SFAS No. 144 could change. Because our best estimate of undiscounted cash flows generated from these assets exceeds their carrying value for each of the periods presented, no impairment pursuant to SFAS No. 144 exists. However, because of the significant difficulties confronting the telecommunications industry, we believe that currently the fair value of our long-lived assets including our network assets and IRUs are significantly below the amounts we originally paid for them and may have the effectbe less than their current depreciated cost basis. Our best estimate of delaying, deferring, or preventing afuture undiscounted cash flows is sensitive to changes in our estimated cash flows and any change in the lease period or in the designation of our control, impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover,primary asset in the asset group.

              Business Combinations

              We account for our business combinations pursuant to SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. Under SFAS No. 141 we allocate the cost of an acquired entity to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed


              based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets are recognized when they arise from contractual or other business combination, whichlegal rights or if they are separable as defined by SFAS No. 141. We determine estimated fair values using quoted market prices, when available, present values determined at appropriate current interest rates, or multiples of monthly revenue for certain customer contracts. Consideration not in turn could precludethe form of cash is measured based upon the fair value of the consideration given.

              Goodwill and Other Intangibles

              We account for our stockholders from recognizingintangible assets pursuant to SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under SFAS No. 142 we determine the useful lives of our intangible assets based upon the expected use of the intangible asset, contractual provisions, obsolescence and other factors. We amortized our intangible assets on a premium overstraight-line basis. We presently have no intangible assets that are not subject to amortization.

              Other Accounting Policies

              We record assets and liabilities under capital leases at the prevailinglesser of the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments or the fair value of the assets under lease.

              We capitalize the direct costs incurred prior to an asset being ready for service as construction-in-progress. Construction-in-progress includes costs incurred under the construction contract, interest, and the salaries and benefits of employees directly involved with construction activities. Our capitalization of these costs is sensitive to the percentage of time and number of our employees involved in construction activities.

              We estimate the fair market value of our Series H preferred stock based upon the number of common shares the Series H preferred stock converts into and the trading price of our common stock on the grant date. The fair market value of our Series H preferred stock is sensitive to changes in the trading price of our common stock.

              Recent Accounting Pronouncements

              In March 2004, the FASB ratified the consensuses reached by Emerging Issues Task Force in Issue No. 03-06, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128 (“EITF 03-06”). EITF 03-06 clarifies the definitional issues surrounding participating securities and requires companies to restate prior earnings per share amounts for comparative purposes upon adoption. We adopted the provisions of EITF 03-06 in the second quarter of 2004, and restated our previously disclosed basic earnings per share amounts to include our participating securities in basic earnings per share when including such shares would have a dilutive effect. As a result of the adoption and for comparative purposes, basic income per share available to common shareholders decreased from $10.99 to $2.78 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, from $271.84 to $12.64 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, and from $229.18 to $11.18 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

              In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based upon their fair values. We currently disclose the impact of valuing grants of stock options and recording the related compensation expense in a pro-forma footnote to our financial statements. Under SFAS 123R this alternative is no longer available. We will be required to adopt SFAS 123R in the third quarter of 2005 and as a result will record additional compensation expense in our statements of operations. The impact of the adoption of SFAS 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had we adopted SFAS 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of SFAS No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net (loss) income in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact


              of the adoption of SFAS 123(R) on our financial position and results of operations, including the valuation methods and support for the assumptions that underlie the valuation of the awards.


              ITEM 7A.        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

                      Cogent has noAll of our financial instruments that are sensitive to market risk are entered into for trading purposes. Cogent'spurposes other than trading. Our primary market risk exposure is related to itsour marketable securities and credit facility. Cogent places itscurrency fluctuations of the euro and the Canadian dollar versus the United States dollar. We place our marketable securities investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards as specified in Cogent'sour investment policy guidelines. Marketable securities were approximately $50.7$14.3 million at December 31, 2001, $49.02004, $13.8 million of which are considered cash equivalents and mature in 90 days or less and $1.7$0.5 million are short-term investments, consisting$0.4 million of which are restricted for collateral against letters of credit. We also own commercial paper.paper investments and certificates of deposit totaling $1.4 million that are classified as other long-term assets. These investments are also restricted for collateral against letters of credit.

              35



                      Cogent'sOur debt obligations at December 31, 2004 carry fixed interest rates and are not subject to changes in interest rates. Our $10.0 million line of credit facility provides for secured borrowingswhich we entered into in March 2005 is indexed to the prime rate plus 1.5% and may, in certain circumstances be reduced to the prime rate plus 0.5%. Interest on our Amended and Restated Cisco Note will not accrue until February 2006, unless we default under the terms of the note. When the note accrues interest, interest accrues at the 90-day LIBOR rate plus a specified margin based4.5%. Based upon Cogent's leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement. Theborrowing rates for debt arrangements with similar terms we estimate the fair value of our Allied Riser convertible subordinated notes at $8.6 million and the fair value of our Amended and Restated Cisco Note at $14.6 million. If interest rate resets on a quarterly basis and was a weighted-average of 7.2% as of December 31, 2001. Interest payments are deferred and begin in 2005. Borrowings are secured by a pledge of all of Cogent's assets. The weighted-average interest rate on all borrowings for the year ending December 31, 2001 was approximately 8.5%. The credit facility matures on December 31, 2008. Borrowings may be repaid at any time without penalty subject to minimum payment amounts.

                      If market rates were to increase immediately and uniformly by 10% we estimate that these fair values would be $8.3 million and $14.3 million, respectively.

              Our European operations expose us to currency fluctuations and exchange rate risk. For example, while we record revenues and financial results from our European operations in euros, these results are reflected in our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars. Therefore, our reported results are exposed to fluctuations in the level at December 31, 2001,exchange rates between the changeU.S. dollar and the euro. In particular, we fund the euro-based operating expenses and associated cash flow requirements of our European operations, including IRU obligations, in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, in the event that the euro strengthens versus the dollar to Cogent's interest sensitive assets and liabilities would have an immaterial effect on Cogent's financial position, results of operationsa greater extent, the expenses and cash flows over the next fiscal year. A 10% increaseflow requirements associated with our European operations may be significantly higher in the weighted-average interest rate for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2001 (from 8.5% to 9.5%) would increase interest expense for the period by approximately $1.0 million.


              U.S.-dollar terms than planned.

              37





              ITEM 8.                INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


              Page


              Report of Independent Registered Public AccountantsAccounting Firm

              38

              39

              Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20002003 and 20012004

              39

              40

              Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period from inception (August 9, 1999) toyears ended December 31, 19992002, December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004

              41

              Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 20002002, December 31, 2003 and December 31, 20012004

              40

              42

              Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the period from inception (August 9, 1999) to December 31, 1999 and for the years ended December 31, 2000 and December 31, 200141

              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period from inception (August 9, 1999) to December 31, 1999 and for the years ended December 31, 20002002, December 31, 2003 and December 31, 20012004

              42

              45

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

              43

              47

              37


              38


              REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

              ToReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

              The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cogent Communications Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries:

              We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), and Subsidiaries (together the Company)subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20002004 and 2001,2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders'stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period from inception (August 9, 1999) to December 31, 1999, and for the years ended December 31, 20002004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedules listed in the index at Item 15(a)2. These financial statements and 2001. These consolidated financial statementsschedules are the responsibility of the Company'sCompany’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedules based on our audits.

              We conducted our audits in accordance with auditingthe standards generally accepted inof the United States.Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includesstatements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well asand evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

              In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Cogent Communications Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries as ofsubsidiaries at December 31, 20002004 and 2001,2003, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from inception (August 9, 1999) to December 31, 1999, and foreach of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 and 2001,2004, in conformity with accounting principlesU.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the United States.

                                    ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

              Vienna, Virginia
              March 1, 2002 (except with respectrelated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the mattersbasic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

              As discussed in
              Note 14, as1 to which the date is March 27, 2002)financial statements, in 2004 the Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 03-06, Participating Securities and the Two Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128.

              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

              McLean, VA

              March 30, 2005

              3839





              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
              AS OF DECEMBER 31, 20002003 AND 20012004
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)



               2000
               2001
               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              AssetsAssets     

               

               

               

               

               


              Current assets:

              Current assets:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents $65,593 $49,017 

               

              $

              7,875

               

              $

              13,844

               

              Short term investments  1,746 

              Short term investments ($173 and $355 restricted, respectively)

               

              3,535

               

              509

               

              Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,868 and $3,229, respectively

               

              5,066

               

              13,564

               

              Prepaid expenses and other current assetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets 3,281 2,171 

               

              905

               

              4,224

               

              Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $112 in 2001  1,156 
               
               
               
              Total current assetsTotal current assets 68,874 54,090 

               

              17,381

               

              32,141

               

              Property and equipment:Property and equipment:     

               

               

               

               

               

              Property and equipment 111,991 249,057 
              Accumulated depreciation and amortization (338) (13,275)
               
               
               

              Property and equipment

               

              400,097

               

              475,105

               

              Accumulated depreciation and amortization

               

              (85,691

              )

              (137,830

              )

              Total property and equipment, netTotal property and equipment, net 111,653 235,782 

               

              314,406

               

              337,275

               

              Intangible assets:Intangible assets:     

               

               

               

               

               

              Intangible assets  11,740 
              Accumulated amortization  (1,304)
               
               
               

              Intangible assets

               

              26,947

               

              30,240

               

              Accumulated amortization

               

              (18,671

              )

              (27,115

              )

              Total intangible assets, netTotal intangible assets, net  10,436 

               

              8,276

               

              3,125

               

              Other assets 7,213 19,461 
               
               
               

              Asset held for sale

               

               

              1,220

               

              Other assets ($2,188 and $1,370 restricted, respectively)

               

              4,377

               

              4,825

               

              Total assetsTotal assets $187,740 $319,769 

               

              $

              344,440

               

              $

              378,586

               

               
               
               
              Liabilities and stockholders' equity     

              Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

               

               

               

               

               


              Current liabilities:

              Current liabilities:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Accounts payableAccounts payable $2,601 $3,623 

               

              $

              7,296

               

              $

              16,090

               

              Accrued liabilitiesAccrued liabilities 2,955 3,462 

               

              7,885

               

              21,808

               

              Current maturities, capital lease obligationsCurrent maturities, capital lease obligations 10,697 426 

               

              3,646

               

              7,488

               

               
               
               
              Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities 16,253 7,511 

               

              18,827

               

              45,386

               

              Cisco credit facility 67,239 181,312 
              Capital lease obligations, net of current  20,732 
               
               
               

              Amended and Restated Cisco Note—related party

               

              17,842

               

              17,842

               

              Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities

               

              58,107

               

              95,887

               

              Convertible subordinated notes, net of discount of $6,084 and $5,026, respectively

               

              4,107

               

              5,165

               

              Other long term liabilities

               

              803

               

              1,816

               

              Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities 83,492 209,555 

               

              99,686

               

              166,096

               

               
               
               
              Commitments and contingencies:     

              Stockholders' equity:

               

               

               

               

               
              Convertible preferred stock, Series A, $0.001 par value; 26,000,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding; liquidation preference of $29,417 25,892 25,892 
              Convertible preferred stock, Series B, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 19,809,783 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $99,012 90,009 90,009 
              Convertible preferred stock, Series C, $0.001 par value; 52,173,463 shares authorized; 49,773,402 shares issued and outstanding in 2001: none in 2000; liquidation preference of $100,000  61,345 
              Common stock, $0.001 par value; 21,100,000 shares authorized; 1,400,698 and 1,409,814 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 1 1 

              Commitments and contingencies

               

               

               

               

               

              Stockholders’ equity:

               

               

               

               

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series F, $0.001 par value; 11,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $11,000

               

              10,904

               

              10,904

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series G, $0.001 par value; 41,030 shares authorized, 41,030 and 41,021 issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $123,000

               

              40,787

               

              40,778

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series H, $0.001 par value; 84,001 shares authorized, 53,372 and 45,821 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $7,731

               

              45,990

               

              44,309

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series I, $0.001 par value; 3,000 shares authorized, none and 2,575 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $7,725

               

               

              2,545

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series J, $0.001 par value; 3,891 shares authorized, none and 3,891 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $58,365

               

               

              19,421

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series K, $0.001 par value; 2,600 shares authorized, none and 2,600 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $7,800

               

               

              2,588

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series L, $0.001 par value; 185 shares authorized, none and 185 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $2,781

               

               

              927

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series M, $0.001 par value; 3,701 shares authorized, none and 3,701 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $55,508

               

               

              18,353

               

              Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 653,567 and 827,487 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

               

              1

               

              1

               

              Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital 189 35,490 

               

              232,474

               

              236,692

               

              Deferred compensationDeferred compensation  (7,847)

               

              (32,680

              )

              (22,533

              )

              Stock purchase warrantsStock purchase warrants  8,248 

               

              764

               

              764

               

              Treasury stock, 61,462 shares

               

              (90

              )

              (90

              )

              Accumulated other comprehensive incomeforeign currency translation adjustment

               

              628

               

              1,515

               

              Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficit (11,843) (102,924)

               

              (54,024

              )

              (143,684

              )

               
               
               
              Total stockholders' equity 104,248 110,214 
               
               
               
              Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $187,740 $319,769 
               
               
               

              Total stockholders’ equity

               

              244,754

               

              212,490

               

              Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

               

              $

              344,440

               

              $

              378,586

               

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

              3940





              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (AUGUST 9, 1999) TO
              DECEMBER 31, 1999, AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20002002, DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2001DECEMBER 31, 2004
              (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

               
               1999
               2000
               2001
               
              Service revenue $ $ $3,018 
              Operating expenses:          
              Network operations (including $307 of amortization of deferred compensation in 2001)    3,040  20,297 
              Selling, general, and administrative (including $2,958 of amortization of deferred compensation in 2001)  82  10,845  30,280 
              Depreciation and amortization    338  13,535 
                
               
               
               
              Total operating expenses  82  14,223  64,112 
                
               
               
               
              Operating loss  (82) (14,223) (61,094)
              Interest income    3,433  1,914 
              Interest expense    (1,105) (7,945)
              Other income    134  212 
                
               
               
               
              Net loss $(82)$(11,761)$(66,913)
                
               
               
               
              Beneficial conversion of preferred stock      (24,168)
                
               
               
               
              Net loss applicable to common stock $(82)$(11,761)$(91,081)
                
               
               
               
              Basic and diluted net loss per common share $(0.06)$(8.51)$(64.78)
                
               
               
               
              Weighted-average common shares (basic and diluted)  1,360,000  1,382,360  1,406,007 
                
               
               
               

               

               

              2002

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Service revenue, net

               

              $

              51,913

               

              $

              59,422

               

              $

              91,286

               

              Operating expenses:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Network operations (including $233, $1,307 and $858 of amortization of deferred compensation, respectively)

               

              49,324

               

              48,324

               

              64,324

               

              Selling, general, and administrative (including $3,098, $17,368 and $11,404 of amortization of deferred compensation, and $3,209, $3,876 and $3,995 of bad debt expense, respectively)

               

              36,593

               

              43,938

               

              51,786

               

              Gain on settlement of vendor litigation

               

              (5,721

              )

               

               

              Restructuring charge

               

               

               

              1,821

               

              Terminated public offering costs

               

               

               

              779

               

              Depreciation and amortization

               

              33,990

               

              48,387

               

              56,645

               

              Total operating expenses

               

              114,186

               

              140,649

               

              175,355

               

              Operating loss

               

              (62,273

              )

              (81,227

              )

              (84,069

              )

              Gain—Cisco credit facility—troubled debt restructuring—related party

               

               

              215,432

               

               

              Gain—Allied Riser note exchange

               

               

              24,802

               

               

              Settlement of note holder litigation

               

              (3,468

              )

               

               

              Gains—lease and other obligation restructurings

               

               

               

              5,292

               

              Interest income and other

               

              1,739

               

              1,512

               

              2,119

               

              Interest expense

               

              (36,284

              )

              (19,776

              )

              (13,002

              )

              (Loss) income before extraordinary item

               

              $

              (100,286

              )

              $

              140,743

               

              $

              (89,660

              )

              Extraordinary gain—Allied Riser merger

               

              8,443

               

               

               

              Net (loss) income

               

              $

              (91,843

              )

              $

              140,743

               

              $

              (89,660

              )

              Beneficial conversion charges

               

               

              (52,000

              )

              (43,986

              )

              Net (loss) income applicable to common shareholders

               

              $

              (91,843

              )

              $

              88,743

               

              $

              (133,646

              )

              Net (loss) income per common share:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (Loss) income before extraordinary item

               

              $

              (616.34

              )

              $

              17.74

               

              $

              (117.43

              )

              Extraordinary gain

               

              51.89

               

               

               

              Basic net (loss) income per common share

               

              $

              (564.45

              )

              $

              17.74

               

              $

              (117.43

              )

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

              $

              (6.55

              )

              $

              (57.61

              )

              Basic net (loss) income per common share available to common shareholders

               

              $

              (564.45

              )

              $

              11.18

               

              $

              (175.03

              )

              Diluted net (loss) income per common share—before extraordinary item

               

              $

              (616.34

              )

              $

              17.73

               

              $

              (117.43

              )

              Extraordinary gain

               

              51.89

               

               

               

              Diluted net (loss) income per common share

               

              $

              (564.45

              )

              $

              17.73

               

              $

              (117.43

              )

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

              $

              (6.55

              )

              $

              (57.61

              )

              Diluted net (loss) income per common share available to common shareholders

               

              $

              (564.45

              )

              $

              11.18

               

              $

              (175.03

              )

              Weighted-average common shares—basic

               

              162,712

               

              7,935,831

               

              763,540

               

              Weighted-average common shares—diluted

               

              162,712

               

              7,938,898

               

              763,540

               

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

              40



              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (AUGUST 9, 1999) TO
              DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 2001
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

               
                
                
                
                
                
               Convertible preferred stock—
              Series A

               Convertible preferred stock—
              Series B

               Convertible preferred stock—
              Series C

                
                
               
               
               Common stock
                
                
                
                
                
               
               
               Additional
              paid-in
              capital

               Deferred
              compensation

               Stock
              purchase
              warrants

                
                
                
                
                
                
               Accumulated
              deficit

               Total
              stockholders'
              equity

               
               
               Shares
               Amount
               Shares
               Amount
               Shares
               Amount
               Shares
               Amount
               
              Balance, August 9, 1999 (date of inception)  $ $ $ $  $  $  $ $ $ 
               Issuance of common stock 1,360,000  1  99                 100 
               Net loss                    (82) (82)
                
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
              Balance, December 31, 1999 1,360,000  1  99               (82) 18 
               Exercises of stock options 40,698    90                 90 
               Issuance of Series A convertible preferred stock, net          26,000,000  25,892          25,892 
               Issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock, net             19,809,783  90,009       90,009 
               Net loss                    (11,761) (11,761)
                
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
              Balance, December 31, 2000 1,400,698  1  189     26,000,000  25,892 19,809,783  90,009     (11,843) 104,248 
              Exercises of stock options 9,116    21                 21 
              Issuance of stock purchase warrants         8,248             8,248 
              Issuance of Series C convertible preferred stock, net                49,773,402  61,345    61,345 
              Deferred compensation     11,112  (11,112)               
              Beneficial conversion — Series B
              convertible preferred stock
                   24,168               (24,168)  
              Amortization of deferred compensation       3,265               3,265 
              Net loss                    (66,913) (66,913)
                
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
              Balance at December 31, 2001 1,409,814 $1 $35,490 $(7,847)$8,248 26,000,000 $25,892 19,809,783 $90,009 49,773,402 $61,345 $(102,924)$110,214 
                
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

              41




              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

               

               

              Common Stock

               

              Additional
              Paid-in 

               

              Deferred

               

              Treasury

               

              Stock
              Purchase 

               

              Preferred Stock—A

               

              Preferred Stock—B

               

              Preferred Stock—C

               

               

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Capital

               

              Compensation

               

              Stock

               

              Warrants

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Balance at December 31, 2001

               

              70,491

               

               

               

               

               

              $ 38,725

               

               

               

              $ (11,081

              )

               

               

              $ —

               

               

               

              $ 8,248

               

               

              26,000,000

               

              $ 25,892

               

              19,809,783

               

              $ 90,009

               

              49,773,402

               

              $ 61,345

               

              Exercises of stock options

               

              365

               

               

               

               

               

                             1

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Issuance of common stock, options and warrants—Allied Riser merger

               

              100,484

               

               

               

               

               

                  10,233

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                     764

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Deferred compensation adjustments

               

               

               

               

               

               

                   (1,756

              )

               

               

                    1,726

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Conversion of Series B convertible preferred stock 

               

              2,853

               

               

               

               

               

                     2,000

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

              (439,560

              )

                   (2,000

              )

               

                           —

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                    3,331

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Net loss

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Balance at December 31, 2002

               

              174,192

               

               

               

               

               

                  49,203

               

               

               

                   (6,024

              )

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                  9,012

               

               

              26,000,000

               

                  25,892

               

              19,370,223

               

                  88,009

               

              49,773,402

               

                  61,345

               

              Cancellations of shares granted to employees

               

               

               

               

               

               

                       (569

              )

               

               

                        995

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                  18,675

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Issuances of preferred stock, net

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                (46,416

              )

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Conversion of preferred stock into common stock 

               

              538,786

               

               

              1

               

               

               

                183,753

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                (8,248

              )

               

              (26,000,000

              )

                (25,892

              )

              (19,362,531

              )

                (87,974

              )

              (49,773,402

              )

                (61,345

              )

              Cancellation of common stock—treasury
              stock

               

              (61,291

              )

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                          90

               

               

               

                 (90

              )

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Shares returned to treasury—Allied Riser merger

               

              (171

              )

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Common shares issued—Allied Riser merger

               

              2,051

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cancellation of Series B preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           35

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

              (7,692

              )

                         (35

              )

               

                           —

               

              Issuance of options for common stock—FNSI acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           52

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

               

               

               

               

                  52,000

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Reclassification of beneficial conversion charge to additional paid in capital

               

               

               

               

               

               

                 (52,000

              )

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Net income

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Balance at December 31, 2003

               

              653,567

               

               

               

               

               

                232,475

               

               

               

                (32,680

              )

               

               

                 (90

              )

               

               

                     764

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Cancellations of shares granted to employees

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                    4,966

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                  12,262

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Issuances of preferred stock, net

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   (2,370

              )

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Issuances of options for preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   (4,711

              )

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Conversion of preferred stock into common stock 

               

              173,920

               

               

               

               

               

                     3,808

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

               

               

               

               

                  43,896

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Reclassification of beneficial conversion charge to additional paid in capital

               

               

               

               

               

               

                 (43,896

              )

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Contribution of capital—LNG—related party

               

               

               

               

               

               

                        410

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Net loss

               

               

               

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

               

                   —

               

               

               

                        —

               

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

               

                           —

               

              Balance at December 31, 2004

               

              827,487

               

               

              $ 1

               

               

               

              $ 236,692

               

               

               

              $ (22,533

              )

               

               

              $ (90

              )

               

               

              $    764

               

               

               

              $         —

               

               

              $         —

               

               

              $         —

               





              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

               

               

              Preferred Stock—D

               

              Preferred Stock—E

               

              Preferred Stock—F

               

              Preferred Stock—G

               

              Preferred Stock—H

               

              Preferred Stock—I

               

               

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Shares

               

              Amount

               

              Balance at December 31, 2001

               

               

              $        —

               

               

              $        —

               

               

              $         —

               

               

              $         —

               

               

              $         —

               

               

               

               

               

              $     —

               

               

              Exercises of stock options

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Issuance of common stock, options and warrants—Allied Riser merger

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Deferred compensation adjustments

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Conversion of Series B convertible preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net loss

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Balance at December 31, 2002

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cancellations of shares granted to employees

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (500

              )

              (426

              )

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Issuances of preferred stock, net

               

              3,426,293

               

              4,272

               

              3,426,293

               

              4,272

               

              11,000

               

              10,904

               

              41,030

               

              40,787

               

              53,873

               

              46,416

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Conversion of preferred stock into common stock

               

              (3,426,293

              )

              (4,272

              )

              (3,426,293

              )

              (4,272

              )

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cancellation of common stock—treasury stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Shares returned to treasury—Allied Riser merger

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Common shares issued—Allied Riser merger

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cancellation of Series B preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Issuance of options for common stock—FNSI acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Reclassification of beneficial conversion charge to additional paid in capital

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net income

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Balance at December 31, 2003

               

               

               

               

               

              11,000

               

              10,904

               

              41,030

               

              40,787

               

              53,373

               

              45,990

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cancellations of shares granted to employees

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (5,127

              )

              (4,965

              )

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Issuances of preferred stock, net

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              1,913

               

              2,370

               

               

              2,575

               

               

               

              2,545

               

               

              Issuances of options for preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              4,711

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Conversion of preferred stock into common stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (9

              )

              (9

              )

              (4,338

              )

              (3,797

              )

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Reclassification of beneficial conversion charge to additional paid in capital

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Contribution of capital—LNG

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net loss

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Balance at December 31, 2004

               

               

              $        —

               

               

              $        —

               

              11,000

               

              $ 10,904

               

              41,021

               

              $ 40,778

               

              45,821

               

              $ 44,309

               

               

              2,575

               

               

               

              $ 2,545

               

               





              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued)
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

              Preferred
              Stock—J

              Preferred
              Stock—K

              Preferred
              Stock —L

              Preferred
              Stock—M

              Foreign
              Currency
              Translation

              Accumulated

              Total
              Stockholder's

              Comprehensive

              Shares

              Amount

              Shares

              Amount

              Shares

              Amount

              Shares

              Amount

              Adjustment

              Deficit

              Equity

              Income (Loss)

              Balance at December 31, 2001

               

               

               

               

              $        —

               

               

               

               

               

              $     —

               

               

               

               

               

               

              $  —

               

               

               

               

               

              $        —

               

               

              $     —

               

               

               

              $ (102,924

              )

               

               

              $ 110,214

               

               

               

              $          —

               

               

              Exercises of stock options

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              1

               

               

               

               

               

              Issuance of common stock, options and warrants—Allied Riser merger

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              10,997

               

               

               

               

               

              Deferred compensation adjustments

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (30

              )

               

               

               

               

              Conversion of Series B convertible preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (0

              )

               

               

               

               

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (44

              )

               

               

               

               

               

              (44

              )

               

               

              (44

              )

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              3,331

               

               

               

               

               

              Net loss

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (91,843

              )

               

               

              (91,843

              )

               

               

              (91,843

              )

               

              Balance at December 31, 2002

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (44

              )

               

               

              (194,767

              )

               

               

              32,626

               

               

               

              (91,887

              )

               

              Cancellations of shares granted to employees

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              18,675

               

               

               

               

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              672

               

               

               

               

               

               

              672

               

               

               

              672

               

               

              Issuances of preferred stock, net

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              60,235

               

               

               

               

               

              Conversion of preferred stock into common
              stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (8,249

              )

               

               

               

               

              Cancellation of common stock—treasury stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (0

              )

               

               

               

               

              Shares returned to treasury—Allied Riser
              merger

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Common shares issued—Allied Riser merger

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cancellation of Series B preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Issuance of options for common stock—FNSI acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              52

               

               

               

               

               

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (52,000

              )

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Reclassification of beneficial conversion charge to additional paid in capital

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              52,000

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net income

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              140,743

               

               

               

              140,743

               

               

               

              140,743

               

               

              Balance at December 31, 2003

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              628

               

               

               

              (54,024

              )

               

               

              244,754

               

               

               

              141,415

               

               

              Cancellations of shares granted to employees

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              1

               

               

               

               

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              12,262

               

               

               

               

               

              Foreign currency translation

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              887

               

               

               

               

               

               

              887

               

               

               

              887

               

               

              Issuances of preferred stock, net

               

               

              3,891

               

               

              19,421

               

               

              2,600

               

               

               

              2,588

               

               

               

              185

               

               

               

              927

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              25,481

               

               

               

               

               

              Issuances of options for preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Conversion of preferred stock into common
              stock

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              3,701

               

               

              18,353

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              18,355

               

               

               

               

               

              Beneficial conversion charge

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (43,896

              )

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Reclassification of beneficial conversion charge to additional paid in capital

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              43,896

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Contribution of capital—LNG

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              410

               

               

               

               

               

              Net loss

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              (89,660

              )

               

               

              (89,660

              )

               

               

              (89,660

              )

               

              Balance at December 31, 2004

               

               

              3,891

               

               

              $ 19,421

               

               

              2,600

               

               

               

              $ 2,588

               

               

               

              185

               

               

               

              $ 927

               

               

               

              3,701

               

               

              $ 18,353

               

               

              $ 1,515

               

               

               

              $ (143,684

              )

               

               

              $ 212,490

               

               

               

              $ (88,773

              )

               





              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (AUGUST 9, 1999) TOYEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999,
              2002, DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
              (IN THOUSANDS)

               

               

              2002

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Cash flows from operating activities:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net (loss) income

               

              $

              (91,843

              )

              $

              140,743

               

              $

              (89,660

              )

              Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of debt issuance costs

               

              36,490

               

              49,746

               

              56,645

               

              Amortization of debt discount—convertible notes

               

              6,086

               

              1,827

               

              1,058

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

              3,331

               

              18,675

               

              12,262

               

              Extraordinary gain—Allied Riser merger

               

              (8,443

              )

               

               

              Gain—Cisco credit facility troubled debt restructuring (Note 7)

               

               

              (215,432

              )

               

              Gain—Allied Riser note exchange

               

               

              (24,802

              )

               

              Gain on settlement of vendor litigation

               

              (5,721

              )

               

               

              Gain—sale of warrant

               

               

               

              (853

              )

              Gains—lease obligation restructurings

               

               

               

              (5,292

              )

              Gains and losses—other

               

               

               

              21

               

              Changes in assets and liabilities:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Accounts receivable

               

              (2,894

              )

              712

               

              2,274

               

              Prepaid expenses and other current assets

               

              1,189

               

              744

               

              2,256

               

              Other assets

               

              1,134

               

              1,899

               

              1,565

               

              Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

               

              19,104

               

              (1,469

              )

              (6,701

              )

              Net cash used in operating activities

               

              (41,567

              )

              (27,357

              )

              (26,425

              )

              Cash flows from investing activities:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Purchases of property and equipment

               

              (75,214

              )

              (24,016

              )

              (10,135

              )

              Purchases of intangible assets

               

              (9,617

              )

              (700

              )

              (317

              )

              Cash acquired in Allied Riser merger

               

              70,431

               

               

               

              Purchase of minority interests in Cogent Canada

               

              (3,617

              )

               

               

              (Purchases) sales of short term investments, net

               

              (1,769

              )

              (600

              )

              3,026

               

              Cash acquired—acquisitions

               

               

               

              2,336

               

              Purchase of fiber optic network in Germany

               

               

               

              (1,949

              )

              Proceeds from sale of equipment

               

               

               

              279

               

              Proceeds from sale of warrant

               

               

               

              3,449

               

              Proceeds from other assets—Cogent Europe acquisition

               

               

               

              610

               

              Net cash used in  investing activities

               

              (19,786

              )

              (25,316

              )

              (2,701

              )

              Cash flows from financing activities:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Borrowings under Cisco credit facility

               

              54,395

               

              8,005

               

               

              Exchange agreement payment—Allied Riser notes

               

               

              (4,997

              )

               

              Exchange agreement payment—Cisco credit facility debt restructuring

               

               

              (20,000

              )

               

              Proceeds from option exercises

               

              1

               

               

               

              Repayment of capital lease obligations

               

              (2,702

              )

              (3,076

              )

              (6,630

              )

              Repayment of advances from LNG Holdings—related party

               

               

               

              (1,242

              )

              Cash acquired—mergers

               

               

               

              42,358

               

              Issuances of preferred stock, net of issuance costs

               

               

              40,630

               

               

              Net cash provided by financing activities

               

              51,694

               

              20,562

               

              34,486

               

              Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

               

              (44

              )

              672

               

              609

               

              Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

               

              (9,703

              )

              (31,439

              )

              5,969

               

              Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

               

              49,017

               

              39,314

               

              7,875

               

              Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

               

              $

              39,314

               

              $

              7,875

               

              $

              13,844

               

              Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Cash paid for interest

               

              $

              12,440

               

              $

              5,013

               

              $

              10,960

               

              Cash paid for income taxes

               

               

               

               

              Non-cash financing activities—

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Capital lease obligations incurred

               

              33,027

               

              6,044

               

              968

               

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20002002, DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND 2001DECEMBER 31, 2004
              (IN THOUSANDS)

               
               1999
               2000
               2001
               
              Cash flows from operating activities:          
              Net loss $(82)$(11,761)$(66,913)
              Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities—          
              Depreciation and amortization, including debt costs    338  13,594 
              Amortization of deferred compensation      3,265 
              Changes in assets and liabilities:          
               Accounts receivable      (1,156)
               Prepaid expenses and other current assets    (3,281) 1,107 
               Other assets    (7,213) (2,660)
               Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  7  5,547  5,977 
                
               
               
               
              Net cash used in operating activities  (75) (16,370) (46,786)
                
               
               
               
              Cash flows from investing activities:          
              Purchases of property and equipment    (80,989) (118,020)
              Purchases of short term investments      (1,746)
              Acquisition, including purchases of intangible assets      (11,886)
                
               
               
               
              Net cash used in investing activities    (80,989) (131,652)
                
               
               
               
              Cash flows from financing activities:          
              Borrowings under Cisco credit facility    67,239  107,632 
              Collection of note from stockholder    25   
              Proceeds from issuance of common stock  75     
              Proceeds from option exercises    90  21 
              Repayment of capital lease obligations    (37,156) (12,754)
              Deferred equipment discount    16,853  5,618 
              Issuances of preferred stock, net of issuance costs    115,901  61,345 
                
               
               
               
              Net cash provided by financing activities  75  162,952  161,862 
                
               
               
               
              Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    65,593  (16,576)
              Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year      65,593 
                
               
               
               
              Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ $65,593 $49,017 
                
               
               
               
              Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:          
              Cash paid for interest $ $1,736 $8,943 
              Cash paid for income taxes       
              Non-cash financing activities —          
               Capital lease obligations incurred    47,855  23,990 
               Warrants issued in connection with credit facility      8,248 
               Borrowing under credit facility for payment of loan costs and interest      6,441 

               

               

              2002

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Borrowing under credit facility for payment of loan costs and interest

               

              14,820

               

              4,502

               

               

              Issuance of Series I preferred stock for Symposium Gamma common stock

               

               

               

              2,575

               

              Issuance of Series J preferred stock for Symposium Omega common stock

               

               

               

              19,454

               

              Issuance of Series K preferred stock for UFO Group common stock

               

               

               

              2,600

               

              Issuance of Series L preferred stock for Global Access assets

               

               

               

              927

               

              Issuance of Series M preferred stock for Cogent Potomac common stock

               

               

               

              18,352

               

              Allied Riser Merger

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

              $

              74,791

               

               

               

               

               

              Less: valuation of common stock, options & warrants issued

               

              (10,967

              )

               

               

               

               

              Less: extraordinary gain

               

              (8,443

              )

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

              $

              55,381

               

               

               

               

               

              PSINet Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

              16,602

               

              700

               

               

               

              Less: cash paid

               

              (9,450

              )

              (700

              )

               

               

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

              7,152

               

               

               

               

              FNSI Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

               

               

              3,018

               

               

               

              Less: valuation of options for common stock

               

               

               

              (52

              )

               

               

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

               

               

              2,966

               

               

               

              Symposium Gamma (Cogent Europe) Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

               

               

               

               

              155,468

               

              Negative goodwill

               

               

               

               

               

              (77,232

              )

              Less: valuation of preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

              (2,575

              )

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

               

               

               

               

              75,661

               

              Symposium Omega Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

               

               

               

               

              19,454

               

              Less: valuation of preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

              (19,454

              )

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

               

               

               

               

               

              UFO Group Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

               

               

               

               

              3,326

               

              Less: valuation of preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

              (2,600

              )

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

               

               

               

               

              726

               

              Global Access Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

               

               

               

               

              1,931

               

              Less: valuation of preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

              (927

              )

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

               

               

               

               

              1,004

               

              Cogent Potomac (Aleron) Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

               

               

               

               

              20,622

               

              Less: valuation of preferred stock

               

               

               

               

               

              (18,352

              )

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

               

               

               

               

              2,270

               

              Verio Acquisition

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Fair value of assets acquired

               

               

               

               

               

              4,493

               

              Fair value of liabilities assumed

               

               

               

               

               

              4,493

               

              See Note 7, which describes the Exchange Agreement with Cisco Capital and conversion of preferred stock under the Purchase Agreement where preferred stock was issued in connection with a troubled debt restructuring.

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

              4246





              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
              DECEMBER 31, 1999, 2000,2002, 2003, and 2001
              2004

              1.   Description of the business, recent developments and summary of significant accounting policies:

              Description of business

              Cogent Communications, Inc. ("Cogent"(“Cogent”) was formed on August 9, 1999, as a Delaware corporation and is locatedheadquartered in Washington, D.C. Cogent is a facilities-based Internet Services Provider ("ISP"), providing Internet access to multi-tenanted office buildings in approximately 20 major metropolitan areas in the United States and in Toronto, Canada.DC. In 2001, Cogent formed Cogent Communications Group, Inc., (the "Company"“Company”), a Delaware corporation. Effective on March 14, 2001, Cogent'sCogent’s stockholders exchanged all of their outstanding common and preferred shares for an equal number of shares of the Company, and Cogent became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The common and preferred shares of the Company include rights and privileges identical to the common and preferred shares of Cogent. This was a tax-free exchange that was accounted for by the Company at Cogent'sCogent’s historical cost. All

              The Company is a leading facilities-based provider of Cogent's options forlow-cost, high-speed Internet access and Internet Protocol communications services. The Company’s network is specifically designed and optimized to transmit data using IP. The Company delivers its services to small and medium-sized businesses, communications service providers and other bandwidth-intensive organizations through over 8,700 customer connections in North America and Europe.

              The Company’s primary on-net service is Internet access at a speed of 100 Megabits per second, much faster than typical Internet access currently offered to businesses. The Company offers this on-net service exclusively through its own facilities, which run all the way to its customers’ premises. Because of its integrated network architecture, the Company is not dependent on local telephone companies to serve its on-net customers. The Company’s typical customers in multi-tenant office buildings are law firms, financial services firms, advertising and marketing firms and other professional services businesses. The Company also provides on-net Internet access at a speed of one Gigabit per second and greater to certain bandwidth-intensive users such as universities, other ISPs and commercial content providers.

              In addition to providing on-net services, the Company also provides Internet connectivity to customers that are not located in buildings directly connected to its network. The Company serves these off-net customers using other carriers’ facilities to provide the “last mile” portion of the link from its customers’ premises to the Company’s network. The Company also operates 30 data centers throughout North America and Europe that allow customers to colocate their equipment and access our network, and from which the Company provides managed modem service.

              The Company has created its network by purchasing optical fiber from carriers with large amounts of unused fiber and directly connecting Internet routers to the existing optical fiber national backbone. The Company has expanded its network through several acquisitions of financially distressed companies or their assets. The overall impact of these acquisitions on the operation of its business has been to extend the physical reach of the Company’s network in both North America and Europe, expand the breadth of its service offerings, and increase the number of customers to whom the Company provides its services.

              Recent Developments

              Reverse Stock Split

              In March 2005, the Company effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to this event.


              Equity Conversion

              In February 2005, the Company’s holders of its preferred stock elected to convert all of their shares of preferred stock into shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Equity Conversion”). As a result, the Company no longer has outstanding shares of preferred stock and the liquidation preferences on preferred stock have been eliminated.

              Withdrawal of Public Offering

              In May 2004, the Company filed a registration statement to sell shares of common stock were also converted to options ofin a public offering. In October 2004, the Company.

                      The Company's high-speed Internet access service is delivered toCompany withdrew the Company's customers over a nationwide fiber-optic network. The Company's network is dedicated solely to Internet Protocol data traffic. The Company's network includes 30-year indefeasible rights of use ("IRU's") to a nationwide fiber-optic intercity networkpublic offering and expensed the associated costs of approximately 12,500 route miles (25,000 fiber miles) of dark fiber from Williams Communications, Inc. ("Williams"). These IRU's are configured in two rings that connect many of the major metropolitan markets in the United States. $0.8 million.

              Public Offering

              In order to extend the Company's national backbone into local markets,February 2005, the Company filed a registration statement to sell up to $86.3 million of shares of its common stock in a Public Offering. There can be no assurances that the Public Offering will be completed. If the Public Offering is successful, substantial dilution to existing stockholders may result.

              Management’s Plans, Liquidity and Business Risks

              The Company has entered into leased fiber agreements for intra-city dark fiber from several providers. These agreements are primarily under 15-25 year IRU's.

              Segments

                      The Company's chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based upon underlying informationexperienced losses since its inception in 1999 and as of the Company asDecember 31, 2004 has an accumulated deficit of $143.7 million and a whole. There is only one reporting segment.

              Business risk, and liquidity

              working capital deficit of $13.2 million. The Company operates in the rapidly evolving Internet services industry, which is subject to intense competition and rapid technological change, among other factors. The successful execution of the Company'sCompany’s business plan is dependent upon the availability of and access to intra-city dark fiber and multi-tenant office buildings, the availability and performance of the Company's network equipment, the availability of additional capital, theCompany’s ability to meet the financialincrease and operating covenants underretain its credit facility, the Company'scustomers, its ability to integrate acquired businesses and purchased assets into its operations and realize planned synergies, the extent to which acquired businesses and assets are able to meet the Company'sCompany’s expectations and projections, the Company's ability to successfully market its products and services, the Company'sCompany’s ability to retain and attract key employees, and the Company'sCompany’s ability to manage its growth and geographic expansion, among other factors.

              In February 2005, the Company issued a subordinated note for $10 million in cash (Note 15). In March 2005, the Company entered into a $10.0 million line of credit facility and borrowed $10.0 million under this facility, of which $4.0 million is restricted and held by the lender (Note 15). In March 2005, the Company sold its building located in Lyon, France for net proceeds of approximately 3.8 million euros ($5.1 million) (Note 15). Management believes that cash generated from the Company’s operations combined with the amounts received from these transactions is adequate to meet the Company’s future funding requirements. Although management believes that the Company will successfully mitigate theseits risks, management cannot give assurancesany assurance that it will be able to do so or that the Company will ever operate profitably.

                      One of the Company's suppliers of metropolitan fiber optic facilities, Metromedia Fiber Networks (MFN), has announced that itAny future acquisitions, other significant unplanned costs or cash requirements may file for bankruptcy in April 2002. This would impact the Company's operations mostly by decreasing our ability to add new metropolitan fiber rings from MFN and the Company's ability to add new buildings to existing MFN rings. However, asrequire the Company has other providers of metropolitan fiber optic facilities the Company does not anticipate a significant impact.

              43



                      MFN's financial difficulties are characteristic of the telecommunications industry today. Several of the Company's vendors, including Williams, Level 3 and Qwest, have been reported in the financial press to be experiencing financial difficulties. The Company does not expect Williams' difficulties to impact the Company because Williams has completed delivery of the Company's national fiber optic backbone. The Company's solution for metropolitan networks is to have a large number of providers and to develop the ability to construct its own fiber optic connections to the buildings the Company serves.

                      The Company has obtained $177 million in venture-backed fundingraise additional funds through the issuance of preferred stock. The Company has secured a $409 million credit facility (the "Facility") from Cisco Systems Capital Corporation ("Cisco Capital"). In August 2001,debt or equity. Such financing may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company entered into an agreement to merge with Allied Riser Communications Corporation ("Allied Riser") which closed on February 4, 2002. In connection with the merger,or its stockholders, or at all. Insufficient funds may require the Company acquired additional cash and assumedto delay or scale back the obligationsnumber of Allied Riser includingbuildings that it serves or require the Company to restructure its convertible subordinated notes due in June 2007 totaling $117 million. Substantial time may pass before significant revenues are realized, andbusiness. If additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, substantial dilution to existing stockholders may be requiredresult.

              Acquisitions

              Since the Company’s inception, it has consummated several acquisitions through which it has generated revenue growth, expanded its network and customer base and added strategic assets to implement the Company'sits business plan. However, management expects that the proceeds from the issuance(Note 2).


              Summary of preferred stock and the availability under the Facility (subject to continued covenant compliance) and the funds acquired in the Allied Riser merger, will be sufficient to fund the Company's current business plan through fiscal 2002.Significant Accounting Policies

              Principles of consolidation

              The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principlesUnited States generally accepted in the United Statesaccounting principles and include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-companyintercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

              Reclassifications

              Certain previously reported 2003 balance sheet amounts have been reclassified in order to be consistent with the 2004 balance sheet presentation.

              Revenue recognition

              The Company recognizes service revenue in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition.” The Company’s service offerings consist of telecommunications services generally under month-to-month or annual contracts and billed monthly in advance. Net revenues from telecommunication services are recognized when the month in whichservices are performed, evidence of an arrangement exists, the servicefee is provided. All expensesfixed and determinable and collection is probable. The probability of collection is determined by an analysis of a new customer’s credit history and historical payment patterns for existing customers. Service discounts and incentives related to telecommunication services provided are expensedrecorded as incurred. Cash received in advancea reduction of revenue earned is recorded aswhen granted. Fees billed in connection with customer installations and other non-refundable upfront charges are deferred revenue and is recognized ratably over the service period or, in the case of installation fees, the estimated customer life.life determined by a historical analysis of customer retention.

              The Company establishes a valuation allowance for collection of doubtful accounts and other sales credit adjustments. Valuation allowances for sales credits are established through a charge to revenue, while valuation allowances for doubtful accounts are established through a charge to selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company assesses the adequacy of these reserves on a monthly basis by evaluating general factors, such as the length of time individual receivables are past due, historical collection experience, the economic and competitive environment, changes in the credit worthiness of its customers and unprocessed customer cancellations. The Company believes that its established valuation allowances were adequate as of December 31, 2003 and 2004. If circumstances relating to specific customers change or economic conditions worsen such that the Company’s past collection experience and assessment of the economic environment are no longer relevant, the Company’s estimate of the recoverability of its trade receivables could be further reduced.

              The Company invoices certain customers for amounts contractually due for unfulfilled minimum contractual obligations and recognizes a corresponding sales allowance equal to this revenue resulting in the recognition of zero net revenue at the time the customer is billed. The Company recognizes net revenue as these billings are collected in cash. The Company vigorously seeks payment of these amounts.

              Network operations

              Network operations include costs associated with service delivery, network management, and customer support. This includes the costs of personnel and related operating expenses associated with these activities, network facilities costs, fiber maintenance fees, leased circuit costs, and access fees paid to office building owners.

              International Operations

              The Company began recognizing revenue from operations in Canada through its wholly owned subsidiary, ARC Canada effective with the closing of the Allied Riser merger on February 4, 2002. All


              revenue is reported in United States dollars. Revenue for ARC Canada for the period from February 4, 2002 to December 31, 2002 and the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 was $4.3 million, $5.6 million and $6.2 million, respectively. ARC Canada’s total assets were $11.8 million at December 31, 2003 and $11.4 million at December 31, 2004.

              The Company began recognizing revenue from operations in Europe effective with the January 5, 2004 acquisition of Cogent Europe. All revenue is reported in United States dollars. Revenue for the Company’s European operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $23.3 million. Cogent Europe’s total consolidated assets were $68.3 million at December 31, 2004.

              Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

              The functional currency of ARC Canada is the Canadian dollar. The functional currency of Cogent Europe is the euro. The consolidated financial statements of ARC Canada, and Cogent Europe, are translated into U.S. dollars using the period-end foreign currency exchange rates for assets and liabilities and the average foreign currency exchange rates for revenues and expenses. Gains and losses on translation of the accounts of the Company’s non-U.S. operations are accumulated and reported as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.

              Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 130, “Reporting of Comprehensive Income” requires “comprehensive income” and the components of “other comprehensive income” to be reported in the financial statements and/or notes thereto. The Company’s only components of “other comprehensive income” are currency translation adjustments for all periods presented.

              Financial instruments

              The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation at each balance sheet date. At December 31, 20002003 and 2001,2004, the Company'sCompany’s marketable securities consisted of money market accounts, certificates of deposit and commercial paper.

              The Company is party to a letterletters of credit totaling $450,000approximately $1.7 million as of December 31, 2001. This letter2004 and $2.4 million at December 31, 2003. These letters of credit isare secured by a certificatecertificates of deposit and commercial paper investments of approximately $1.7 million at December 31, 2004 and $2.4 million at December 31, 2003 that isare restricted and included in short-term investments. No claims have been made against this financial instrument. Management does not expect any losses from the resolution of this financial instrumentinvestments and is of the opinion that the fair value is zero since performance is not likely to be required.other assets.

              44



              At December 31, 20002003 and 2001,2004, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximated fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The interest rate onBased upon the Company's credit facility resets on a quarterly basis; accordingly, as of December 31, 2000 and 2001,borrowing rates for debt arrangements with similar terms the Company estimates the fair value of the Company's credit facility approximatedAllied Riser convertible subordinated notes at $8.6 million and the carrying amount.fair value of its Amended and Restated Cisco Note at $14.6 million.

              The Allied Riser convertible subordinated notes due in June 2007 have a face value of $10.2 million. The notes were recorded at their fair value of approximately $2.9 million at the merger date. The resulting discount is being accreted to interest expense through the maturity date using the effective interest rate method.

              Short-Term Investments

              Short-term investments consist primarily of commercial paper and certificates of deposit with original maturities beyond three months, but less than 12 months. Such short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short period of time to maturity. Investments underlying our cash


              equivalents and short-term investments are classified as “available for sale” in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”.

              Credit risk

              The Company'sCompany’s assets that are exposed to credit risk consist of its cash equivalents, short-term investments, other assets and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash equivalents and short-term investments in instruments that meet high-quality credit standards as specified in the Company'sCompany’s investment policy guidelines. Accounts receivable are due from customers located in major metropolitan areas in the United States.States, Western Europe and in Ontario Canada. Revenues from the Company's wholesaleCompany’s net centric, formerly called “wholesale”, customers and acquired customers obtained through business combinations are subject to a higher degree of credit risk than the Company's customers who purchase its retailtraditional corporate, formerly called “retail”, service.

              Reclassifications

                      Certain amounts in the December 31, 2000 financial statements have been reclassified in order to conform to the 2001 financial statement presentation.

              Property and equipment

              Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated once deployed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives are determined based on historical usage with consideration given to technological changes and trends in the industry that could impact the network architecture and asset utilization. The direct costs incurred prior to an asset being ready for service are reflected as construction in progress. Interest is capitalized during the construction period based upon the rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period. Construction in progress includes costs incurred under the construction contract related to a specific building prior to that building being ready for service (a “lit building”). System infrastructure includes capitalized interest, and the capitalized salaries and benefits of employees directly involved with construction activities.activities and costs incurred by third party contracts to construct and install the Company’s long-haul backbone network. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The assetsAssets and liabilities under capital leases are recorded at the lesser of the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments or the fair value of the assets under lease. Leasehold improvements include costs associated with building improvements.

              Depreciation and amortization periods are as follows:

              Type of asset


              Depreciation or amortization period


              Indefeasible rights of use (IRUs)

              Shorter of useful life or IRU lease agreement; generally 15 to 20 years, beginning when the IRU is ready for use

              Network equipment

              Five

              5 to seven10 years

              Leasehold improvements

              Shorter of lease term or useful life; generally 10 to 15 years

              Software

              Five

              5 years

              Owned buildings

              40 years

              Office and other equipment

              Three

              2 to five5 years

              System infrastructure

              Ten

              10 years

              Long-lived assets

                      Long-livedThe Company’s long-lived assets which include property and equipment and identifiable intangible assets to be held and used,used. These long-lived assets are currently reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount should be addressed.addressed pursuant to Statement of Financial Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Pursuant to SFAS No. 144, impairment is determined by comparing the carrying value of these long-lived assets to management’s probability weighted estimate of the estimatedfuture undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual dispositions.disposition. The Company considers expected cash flows and estimated future operating

              45



              results, trends and other available information in assessing whetherflow projections used to make this assessment are consistent with the carrying value of the assets is impaired.cash flow projections that management uses internally to assist in


              making key decisions. In the event an impairment exists, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is generally determined by using quoted market prices or valuation techniques such as the discounted present value of expected future cash flows, appraisals, or other pricing modelsmodels. Management evaluated these assets for impairment as appropriate. The Companyof December 31, 2003 and 2004 in accordance with SFAS No. 144. Management believes that no such impairment existed as of December 31, 2000 and 2001.

                      The Company's estimates2003 or 2004. In the event there are changes in the planned use of anticipated net revenues, the remaining estimated lives of tangible and intangibleCompany’s long-term assets or both, could bethe Company’s expected future undiscounted cash flows are reduced significantly, the Company’s assessment of its ability to recover the carrying value of these assets under SFAS No. 144 would change.

              Because management’s best estimate of undiscounted cash flows generated from these assets exceeds their carrying value for each of the periods presented, no impairment pursuant to SFAS No. 144 exists. However, because of the significant difficulties confronting the telecommunications industry, management believes that the current fair value of our long-lived assets including our network assets and IRU’s are below the amounts the Company originally paid for them and may be less than their current depreciated cost basis.

              Asset retirement obligations

              In accordance with SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the future due to changesperiod in technology, regulation, available financing, or competition. Aswhich it is incurred if a result,reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived assets could be reduced materiallyasset. The Company measures changes in the future.liability for an asset retirement obligation due to passage of time by applying an interest method of allocation to the amount of the liability at the beginning of the period. The interest rate used to measure that change is the credit-adjusted risk-free rate that existed when the liability was initially measured.

              Use of estimates

              The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principlesUnited States generally accepted in the United Statesaccounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results couldmay differ from those estimates.

              Comprehensive Income

                      Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting of Comprehensive Income" requires "comprehensive income" and the components of "other comprehensive income" to be reported in the financial statements and/or notes thereto. Since the Company does not have any components of "other comprehensive income", reported net loss is the same as "comprehensive loss" for the periods presented.

              Income taxes

              The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting“Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based upon the differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expense or benefits are based upon the changes in the assets or liability from period to period.

              Stock-based compensation

              The Company accounts for its stock option plan and shares of restricted preferred stock granted under its 2003 Incentive Award Plan in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB"(“APB”) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting“Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations.interpretations using the intrinsic method. As such, compensation expense related to fixed employee stock options and restricted shares is recorded only if on the date of grant, the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price.

              The Company has adopted the disclosure only requirements of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting“Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion


              No. 25 for transactions with employees and to provide pro forma net income disclosures as if the fair value based method of accounting or minimum value method for private companies, described in SFAS No. 123 had been applied to employee stock option grants.grants and restricted shares. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (in thousands except per share amounts):

               

               

              Year Ended
              December 31, 2002

               

              Year Ended
              December 31, 2003

               

              Year Ended
              December 31, 2004

               

              Net (loss) income available to common stock, as reported

               

               

              $

              (91,843

              )

               

               

              $

              88,743

               

               

               

              $

              (133,646

              )

               

              Add: stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net loss, net of related tax effects

               

               

              3,331

               

               

               

              18,675

               

               

               

              12,262

               

               

              Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of related tax effects

               

               

              (4,721

              )

               

               

              (19,866

              )

               

               

              (12,523

              )

               

              Pro forma—net (loss) income

               

               

              $

              (93,233

              )

               

               

              $

              87,552

               

               

               

              $

              (133,907

              )

               

              (Loss) income per share as reported—basic

               

               

              $

              (564.45

              )

               

               

              $

              11.18

               

               

               

              $

              (175.03

              )

               

              Pro forma (loss) income per share—basic

               

               

              $

              (572.99

              )

               

               

              $

              11.03

               

               

               

              $

              (175.38

              )

               

              (Loss) income per share as reported—diluted

               

               

              $

              (564.45

              )

               

               

              $

              11.18

               

               

               

              $

              (175.03

              )

               

              Pro forma (loss) income per share—diluted

               

               

              $

              (572.99

              )

               

               

              $

              11.03

               

               

               

              $

              (175.38

              )

               

              The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of options for common stock granted was $48.80 in 2002 and $11.20 in 2003. There were no options for common stock granted in 2004. The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of options for Series H preferred stock granted in 2004 was $238.97. The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes method with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2002—an average risk-free rate of 3.5 percent, a dividend yield of 0 percent, an expected life of 5.0 years, and expected volatility of 162%, for 2003—an average risk-free rate of 3.5 percent, a dividend yield of 0 percent, an expected life of 5.0 years, and expected volatility of 197% and for 2004—an average risk-free rate of 4.0 percent, a dividend yield of 0 percent, an expected life of 5.0 years, and expected volatility of 151%. The weighted- average per share grant date fair value of Series H convertible preferred shares granted to employees in 2003 was $861.28 and $1,239.00 in 2004 and was determined using the trading price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Each share of Series H preferred stock and options for Series H preferred stock converted into approximately 38 shares of common stock and options for approximately 38 shares of common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion.

              Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share

              Net income (loss) per share is presented in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 128 "Earnings“Earnings per Share"Share”. SFAS No. 128 requires a presentation of basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS excludes dilution for common stock equivalents and is computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period,

              46



              adjusted, using the if-converted method, for the effect of common stock equivalents arising from the assumed conversion of participating convertible securities, if dilutive. Diluted net loss per common share is based on the weighted-averageweighted- average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period, adjusted for the effect of common stock equivalents arising from the assumed exercise of stock options, warrants, the conversion of preferred stock and conversion of participating convertible securities, if dilutive. Common


              stock equivalents have been excluded from the net loss per share calculation for 2002 and 2004 because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

              For the period from inception to December 31, 1999 and the years ended December 31, 20002002, and 2001,2004, options to purchase 46,950, 608,1360.1 million and 1,157,9201.1 million shares of common stock at weighted-average exercise prices of $0.10, $9.90$88.20 and $5.30$2.30 per share, respectively, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as they are anti-dilutive. For the period from inception to December 31, 1999 and the years ended December 31, 20002002 and 2001, 26,000,000, 45,809,783, and 95,583,185 shares of2004, preferred stock, which werewas convertible into 2,600,000, 4,580,978,0.5 million and 10,148,30931.6 million shares of common stock, wererespectively, was not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as a result of theirits anti-dilutive effect. For the yearyears ended December 31, 2001, warrants for 710,2162002 and 2004, approximately 6,300 shares, of common stock issuable on the conversion of the Allied Riser convertible subordinated notes and warrants were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as a result of their anti-dilutive effect.

              AcquisitionsIn March 2004, the FASB ratified the consensuses reached by Emerging Issues Task Force in Issue No. 03-06, Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128 (“EITF 03-06”). EITF 03-06 clarifies the definitional issues surrounding participating securities and requires companies to restate prior earnings per share amounts for comparative purposes upon adoption. The Company adopted the provisions of EITF 03-06 in the second quarter of 2004, and restated its previously disclosed basic earnings per share amounts to include its participating securities in basic earnings per share when including such shares would have a dilutive effect. As a result of the adoption and for comparative purposes, basic income per share available to common shareholders decreased from $10.99 to $2.78 for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, from $271.84 to $12.64 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, and from $229.18 to $11.18 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

              Allied Riser MergerThe following details the determination of the diluted weighted average shares for the year ended December 31, 2003.

              Year Ended
              December 31, 2003

              Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

              7,935,831

              Dilutive effect of stock options

              371

              Dilutive effect of warrants

              2,676

              Weighted average shares—diluted

              7,938,878

              There is no effect on net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, caused by the conversion of any of the above securities included in the diluted weighted average shares calculation. The weighted average common shares outstanding for 2003 includes participating securities since 2003 had net income. These securities were excluded in 2002 and 2004 as they are anti-dilutive for these periods.

              Recent Accounting Pronouncements

              In August 2001,December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations based upon their fair values. The Company currently discloses the impact of valuing grants of stock options and recording the related compensation expense in a pro-forma footnote to its financial statements. Under SFAS 123R this alternative is no longer available. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS 123R on July 1, 2005 and as a result will record additional compensation expense in its statements of operations. The impact of the adoption of SFAS 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had the Company entered into an agreementadopted SFAS 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of SFAS No. 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net (loss) income in the notes to merge with Allied Riser.these consolidated financial statements. The merger closed on February 4, 2002. UnderCompany is currently


              evaluating the termsimpact of the adoption of SFAS 123(R) on its financial position and results of operations, including the valuation methods and support for the assumptions that underlie the valuation of the awards.

              Cash flows from financing activities

              In connection with the acquisitions of Cogent Europe, Symposium Omega, UFO and Cogent Potomac, certain of the Company’s shareholders invested in the entities that were used by the Company to acquire the operating assets and liabilities of the businesses acquired. As a result, these amounts are included in cash flows from financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for 2004.

              2.   Acquisitions:

              Since the Company’s inception, it has consummated several acquisitions through which it has generated revenue growth, expanded its network and customer base and added strategic assets to its business. These acquisitions were recorded in the accompanying financial statements under the purchase method of accounting. The operating results have been included in the consolidated statements of operations from the acquisition dates.

              Verio Acquisition

              In December 2004, the Company acquired most of the off-net Internet access customers of Verio Inc., (“Verio”) a leading global IP provider and subsidiary of NTT Communications Corp. The acquired assets included over 3,700 customer connections located in twenty-three U.S. markets, customer accounts receivable and certain network equipment. The Company assumed the liabilities associated with providing services to these customers including vendor relationships, accounts payable, customer contractual commitments and accrued liabilities. The Company is integrating these acquired assets into its operations and onto its network.

              Aleron Broadband Services Acquisition and Merger with Cogent Potomac

              In October 2004, the Company acquired certain assets of Aleron Broadband Services, formally known as AGIS Internet (“Aleron”), and $18.5 million in cash, in exchange for 3,700 shares of its Series M preferred stock. The acquisition was effected through a merger agreementwith Cogent Potomac. The Series M preferred stock was convertible into approximately 5.7 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. The Company acquired Aleron’s customer base and network, as amended in October 2001,well as Aleron’s Internet access and managed modem service. The Company is integrating these acquired assets into its operations and onto its network.

              Global Access Acquisition

              In September 2004, the Company issued 185 shares of Series L preferred stock to the shareholders of Global Access Telecommunications, Inc. (“Global Access”) in exchange for the majority of the assets of Global Access. The Series L preferred stock was convertible into approximately 13.4%0.3 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. The estimated fair market value for the Series L preferred stock was determined by using the price per share of our Series J preferred stock. Global Access was headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and provided Internet access and other data services in Germany. The acquired assets included customer contracts, accounts receivable and certain network equipment. Assumed liabilities include certain vendor relationships and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The Company has completed the integration of these acquired assets into its operations and onto its network.

              55




              Merger with UFO Group, Inc.

              In August 2004, a subsidiary of the Company merged with UFO Group, Inc. (“UFO Group”). The Company issued 2,600 shares of Series K preferred stock in exchange for the outstanding shares of UFO Group. The Series K preferred stock was convertible into approximately 0.8 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. The estimated fair market value for the Series K preferred stock was determined by using the price per share of our Series J preferred stock. Prior to the merger, UFO Group had acquired the majority of the assets of Unlimited Fiber Optics, Inc. (“UFO”). UFO’s customer base is comprised of data service customers and its network is comprised of fiber optic facilities located in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. The acquired assets included net cash of approximately $1.9 million, all of UFO’s customer contracts, customer accounts receivable and certain network equipment. Assumed liabilities include certain vendor relationships and accounts payable. The Company is in the process of integrating these acquired assets into its operations and onto its network and expects to complete this integration in the second quarter of 2005.

              Merger with Symposium Omega

              In March 2004, Symposium Omega, Inc., (“Omega”) a Delaware corporation and related party, merged with a subsidiary of the Company (Note 12). Prior to the merger, Omega had raised approximately $19.5 million in cash in a private equity transaction with certain existing investors in the Company and acquired the rights to a German fiber optic network. The German fiber optic network had no customers, employees or associated revenues. The Company issued 3,891 shares of Series J preferred stock to the shareholders of Omega in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Omega. The Series J preferred stock was convertible into approximately 6.0 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. The accounting for the merger resulted in the Company recording cash of approximately $19.5 million and issuing Series J preferred stock. The German fiber optic network includes a pair of single mode fibers under a fifteen-year IRU, network equipment, and the co-location rights to facilities in approximately thirty-five points of presence in Germany. Approximately 1.5 million euro ($2.0 million) of the 2.2 million euro ($2.9 million) purchase price was paid through December 31, 2004 and the remaining 0.7 million euro payment ($0.9 million) was made in 2005.

              Merger with Symposium Gamma, Inc. and Acquisition of Firstmark Communications Participations S.à r.l. and Subsidiaries (“Firstmark”)

              In January 2004, a subsidiary of the Company merged with Symposium Gamma, Inc. (“Gamma”), a related party (Note 12). Immediately prior to the merger, Gamma had raised $2.5 million through the sale of its common stock in a private equity transaction with certain existing investors in the Company and new investors and in January 2004 acquired Firstmark for 1 euro. The merger expanded the Company’s network into Western Europe. Under the merger agreement all of the issued and outstanding shares of Gamma common stock were converted into 2,575 shares of the Company’s Series I preferred stock. The Series I preferred stock was convertible into approximately 0.8 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. In 2004, Firstmark changed its name to Cogent Europe S.à r.l (“Cogent Europe”).

              Fiber Network Services, Inc. Acquisition

              On February 28, 2003, the Company purchased certain assets of Fiber Network Solutions, Inc. (“FNSI”) in exchange for the issuance of options for 6,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and the Company’s agreement to assume certain liabilities. The acquired assets include FNSI’s customer contracts


              and accounts receivable. Assumed liabilities include certain of FNSI’s accounts payable, facilities leases, customer contractual commitments and note obligations.

              PSINet, Inc. Acquisition

              In April 2002, the Company acquired certain of PSINet’s assets and certain liabilities related to its operations in the United States for $9.5 million in cash in a sale conducted under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The acquired assets include certain of PSINet’s accounts receivable and intangible assets, including customer contracts, settlement-free peering rights and the PSINet trade name. Assumed liabilities include certain leased circuit commitments, facilities leases and customer contractual commitments. With the acquisition of PSINet assets the Company began to offer off-net Internet access service and acquired significant non-core services.

              Merger—Allied Riser Communications Corporation

              On February 4, 2002, the Company acquired Allied Riser Communications Corporation (“Allied Riser”). Allied Riser provided broadband data, voice and video communication services to small- and medium-sized businesses located in selected buildings in North America, including Canada. Upon the closing of the merger on a fully diluted basis,February 4, 2002, Cogent issued approximately 0.1 million shares, to the existing Allied Riser stockholders and became a public company listed on the American Stock Exchange.

              NetRail Inc.

                      On September 6, 2001, The acquisition of Allied Riser provided the Company paid approximately $12 million for certain assets of NetRail, Inc, ("NetRail") a Tier-1 Internet service provider, in a sale conducted under Chapter 11 ofwith in-building networks, pre-negotiated building access rights with building owners and real estate investment trusts across the United States Bankruptcy Code. Tier-1 service providers purchase Internet capacity from the major communications carriers and resell it to smaller service providers and other entities. The purchased assets included certain customer contractsin Toronto, Canada and the related accounts receivable, network equipment,operations of Shared Technologies of Canada (“STOC”). STOC provides voice and settlement-free peering arrangements with other Tier-1 Internet service providers. As a result ofdata services in Toronto, Canada. In 2004, STOC changed its name to Cogent Canada.

              The following table summarizes the acquisition, the Company expects to reduce its cost of network services through the use of NetRail's settlement-free peering arrangements and increase its revenues by providing services to the acquired NetRail customers.

                      The acquisitionestimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the respective acquisition dates (in thousands) for our material acquisitions.

               

               

              Allied
              Riser

               

              PSINet

               

              Cogent
              Europe

               

              Current assets

               

              $

              71,502

               

              $

              4,842

               

              $

              17,374

               

              Property, plant & equipment

               

               

              294

               

              55,862

               

              Intangible assets

               

               

              12,166

               

              855

               

              Other assets

               

              3,289

               

               

              4,145

               

              Total assets acquired

               

              $

              74,791

               

              $

              17,302

               

              $

              78,236

               

              Current liabilities

               

              20,621

               

              7,852

               

              25,118

               

              Long term debt

               

              34,760

               

               

              49,683

               

              Other liabilities

               

               

               

              860

               

              Total liabilities assumed

               

              55,381

               

              7,852

               

              75,661

               

              Net assets acquired

               

              $

              19,410

               

              $

              9,450

               

              $

              2,575

               

              The intangible assets acquired in the PSINet acquisition were allocated to customer contracts ($4.7 million), peering rights ($5.4 million), trade name ($1.8 million), and a non-compete agreement ($0.3 million). These intangible assets are being amortized in periods ranging from two to five years. The purchase price allocations for the UFO, Aleron, Global Access and Verio acquisitions are not finalized and could change if assumed liabilities result in amounts different than their estimated amounts.

              The purchase price of NetRail, Inc.Allied Riser was approximately $12.5 million and included the issuance of approximately 0.1 million shares of common stock valued at approximately $10.2 million, the issuance of warrants and options for the Company’s common stock valued at approximately $0.8 million and transaction expenses of approximately $1.5 million. The fair value of the common stock was determined by using the average closing price of Allied Risers’ common stock in accordance with SFAS No. 141. Allied


              Riser’s subordinated convertible notes were recorded at their fair value using their quoted market price at the merger date. The fair value of assets acquired was approximately $110.9 million resulting in negative goodwill of approximately $43.0 million. Negative goodwill was allocated to long-lived assets of approximately $34.6 million with the remaining $8.4 million recorded as an extraordinary gain.

              The merger with Cogent Europe was recorded in the accompanying December 31, 2001 financial statements under the purchase method of accounting. During the second quarter of 2004 the assumed liabilities were reduced by approximately $0.6 million as it was determined that an estimated assumed liability was not required to be paid resulting in an increase in negative goodwill resulting in a reduction of the long-lived asset balances. The purchase price of Cogent Europe was primarily allocated toapproximately $78.2 million, which includes the settlement-free peering agreements acquired from NetRail, Inc., which had an estimated fair value of the Company’s Series I preferred stock of $2.6 million and assumed liabilities of $75.7 million. The fair value of assets acquired was approximately $11.0$155.5 million, which then gave rise to negative goodwill of approximately $77.3 million. These contracts are being amortized over their average estimated contractual life of 3 years. The remainder of the purchase priceNegative goodwill was allocated to other current and non-current assets. The purchase price is preliminary and further refinements may be made. The operating results related to thelong-lived assets, resulting in recorded assets acquired assets of NetRail, Inc. have been included in the consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition.$78.2 million.

              47



              If the NetRailCogent Europe acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2000 and 20012003, the unaudited pro forma combined results of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2000 and 20012003 would have been as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts).

               
               Year Ended
              December 31, 2000

               Year Ended
              December 31, 2001

               
              Revenue $1,230 $4,676 
              Net loss applicable to common stock  (16,405) (94,043)
              Net loss per share — basic and diluted $(11.87)$(66.89)

               

               

              Year Ended
              December 31, 2003

               

              Revenue

               

               

              $

              85,952

               

               

              Net income

               

               

              218,269

               

               

              Net income per share—basic

               

               

              $

              24.99

               

               

              Net income per share—diluted

               

               

              $

              24.98

               

               

               

              In management'smanagement’s opinion, these unaudited pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of the combined results of operations might have been if the NetRail, Inc. assetCogent Europe acquisition had been effective at the beginning of 20002003. Cogent Europe’s results for the year ended December 31, 2003 include non-recurring gains of approximately $135 million. Because Cogent Europe’s results for the period from January 1, 2004 to January 4, 2004 were not material, the pro forma combined results for the year ended December 31, 2004 are not presented. Pro forma amounts for the UFO Group, Global Access, Aleron and 2001.Verio acquisitions are not presented as these acquisitions did not exceed the materiality reporting thresholds. In management’s opinion, these unaudited pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of the combined operations might have been if the Cogent Europe acquisition had been effective at the beginning of 2003.


              2.3.   Property and equipment:equipment and asset held for sale:

              Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):



               December 31,
               

               

              December 31,

               



               2000
               2001
               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Owned assets:Owned assets:     

               

               

               

               

               

              Network equipment

               

              $

              186,204

               

              $

              221,480

               

              Software

               

              7,482

               

              7,599

               

              Office and other equipment

               

              4,120

               

              5,661

               

              Leasehold improvements

               

              50,387

               

              59,296

               

              Buildings

               

               

              3,047

               

              Land

               

               

              374

               

              System infrastructure

               

              32,643

               

              34,303

               

              Construction in progress

               

              988

               

              131

               

              Network equipment $50,537 $126,796 

               

              281,824

               

              331,891

               

              Software 1,971 4,756 
              Office and other equipment 1,555 2,274 
              Leasehold improvements 64 16,690 
              System infrastructure  21,288 
              Construction in progress 10,009 5,230 
               
               
               
               64,136 177,034 
              Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization (324) (11,726)
               
               
               

              Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

               

              (72,762

              )

              (116,682

              )

               63,812 165,308 

               

              209,062

               

              215,209

               

              Assets under capital leases:Assets under capital leases:     

               

               

               

               

               

              IRUs 47,855 72,023 
              Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization (14) (1,549)
               
               
               
               47,841 70,474 

              IRUs

               

              118,273

               

              143,214

               

              Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

               

              (12,929

              )

              (21,148

              )

               
               
               

               

              105,344

               

              122,066

               

              Property and equipment, netProperty and equipment, net $111,653 $235,782 

               

              $

              314,406

               

              $

              337,275

               

               
               
               

              Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment and capital leases was $26.6 million, $38.4 million and $48.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively.

              Asset Held for Sale

              The Company has finalized an agreement to sell a building and land it owns located in Lyon, France for net proceeds of 3.8 million euros ($5.1 million). These assets were acquired in the Cogent Europe acquisition. The associated net book value of $1.2 million is classified as “Asset Held for Sale” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet (See Note 15).

              Capitalized interest, labor and related costs

              In 20002002 and 2001,2003, the Company capitalized interest of $2,963,000$0.8 million and $4,408,000,$0.1 million, respectively. There was no capitalized interest capitalized in 1999.

              Indefeasible rights2004. The Company capitalizes the salaries and related benefits of use agreements (IRUs)

              employees directly involved with its construction activities. The Company began capitalizing these costs in July 2000 and will continue to capitalize these costs while it is involved in construction activities. In April 2000,2002, 2003 and 2004, the Company entered into a dark fiber IRU contract with Williams forcapitalized salaries and related benefits of $4.8 million, $2.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. These amounts are included in system infrastructure.


              4.   Accrued liabilities and restructuring charge:

              In July 2004, the French subsidiary of Cogent Europe re-located its Paris headquarters. The estimated net present value of the remaining lease obligation of the abandoned facility, net of estimated sub lease income, was approximately 12,500 route miles (25,000 fiber miles) of dark fiber at a cost of approximately $27.5 million. Under this agreement, the Company paid $11.0 million in April 2000, $9.6 million in October 2000, $5.5 million in April 2001 and $1.4 million in October 2001. In June 2000, the Company exercised its right to lease an additional 12,500 route miles (the "Second IRU") for approximately $22.5 million. Under the Second IRU agreement the Company paid $9.0 million in June 2000, $9.0 million in December 2000, and $4.5 million in June 2001. These IRUs are for initial 20-year periods, with, under certain conditions, two renewal terms of five years each. Under these agreements,

              48



              Williams also provides co-location services and maintenance on both fibers for additional monthly fees. In June 2000, the Company amended its product purchase agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc ("Cisco"). In connection with the amendment, Cisco agreed to pay the Company a total of $22.5 million, with $16.9 million paid in 2000 and $6.7 million paid in 2001. These payments arewas recorded as a deferred equipment discount and classifiedrestructuring charge in July 2004. In December 2004, management revised the estimated sub lease income which resulted in an additional restructuring charge of $0.4 million. A reconciliation of the amounts related to these contract termination costs is as a reductionfollows (in thousands):

              Restructuring accrual

              2004

              Beginning balance—

              $

              Charged to restructuring costs

              1,821

              Accretion

              145

              Amounts paid

              (355

              )

              Ending balance

              1,476

              Current portion (recorded as accrued liabilities)

              (1,229

              )

              Long term (recorded as other long term liabilities)

              382

              The Company provides for asset retirement obligations for certain points of network equipmentpresence in its networks. A reconciliation of the accompanying balance sheets. The deferred equipment discount is being amortizedamounts related to these obligations as a reduction to depreciation expense over a seven-year period as the related equipment is placed in service.follows (in thousands):

              Asset Retirment Obligations

               

               

               

              2004

               

              Beginning balance

               

              $

               

              Acquired balance—Cogent Europe

               

              1,226

               

              Accretion

               

              40

               

              Amounts paid

               

              (64

              )

              Ending balance

               

              1,202

               

              Current portion (recorded as accrued liabilities)

               

              (224

              )

              Long term (recorded as other long term liabilities)

               

              $

              978

               

              3.    Accrued Liabilities:

              Accrued liabilities as of December 31 consist of the following (in thousands):

               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              General operating expenditures

               

              $

              4,941

               

              $

              9,575

               

              Restructuring accrual

               

               

              1,229

               

              Due to LNG—related party (Note 12)

               

               

              217

               

              Acquired lease accruals—Verio acquisition

               

               

              1,832

               

              Deferred revenue

               

              486

               

              1,940

               

              Payroll and benefits

               

              419

               

              2,043

               

              Taxes

               

              1,584

               

              1,004

               

              Interest

               

              455

               

              3,968

               

              Total

               

              $

              7,885

               

              $

              21,808

               

              The current liabilities assumed in the Verio acquisition include $1.9 million for the present value of estimated net cash flows for amounts related to leases of abandoned facilities. No payments were made against these obligations in 2004.

               
               2000
               2001
              General operating expenditures $648 $2,101
              Payroll and benefits  282  1,206
              Taxes    102
              Interest  2,025  53
                
               
              Total $2,955 $3,462
                
               

              4.5.   Intangible Assets:assets:

              Intangible assets as of December 31 consist of the following (in thousands):

               
               2000
               2001
               
              Peering arrangements $ $11,036 
              Customer contracts    704 
                
               
               
              Total   $11,740 
              Less — accumulated amortization    (1,304)
                
               
               
              Intangible assets, net $ $10,436 
                
               
               

               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Peering arrangements (weighted average life of 36 months)

               

              $

              16,440

               

              $

              16,440

               

              Customer contracts (weighted average life of 21 months)

               

              8,145

               

              10,948

               

              Trade name (weighted average life of 36 months)

               

              1,764

               

              1,764

               

              Other (weighted average life of 24 months)

               

              167

               

              167

               

              Non-compete agreements (weighted average life of 45 months)

               

              431

               

              431

               

              Licenses (weighted average life of 60 months)

               

               

              490

               

              Total (weighted average life of 31 months)

               

              26,947

               

              30,240

               

              Less—accumulated amortization

               

              (18,671

              )

              (27,115

              )

              Intangible assets, net

               

              $

              8,276

               

              $

              3,125

               

               

              Intangible assets are being amortized over 36periods ranging from 12 to 60 months. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 was approximately $7.4 million, $10.0 million and $8.3 million, respectively. Future amortization expense related to intangible assets is expected to be $2.8 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million for the years ending December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

              5.6.   Other assets:assets and liabilities:

              Other long term assets as of December 31 consist of the following (in thousands):

               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Prepaid expenses

               

              $

              378

               

              $

              255

               

              Deposits

               

              3,999

               

              4,570

               

              Total

               

              $

              4,377

               

              $

              4,825

               

              Other long term liabilities as of December 31 consist of the following (in thousands):

               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Deposits

               

              $

              636

               

              $

              264

               

              Indemnification—LNG (Note 9)

               

              167

               

              167

               

              Restructuring accrual

               

               

              382

               

              Asset retirement obligation

               

               

              978

               

              Other

               

               

              25

               

              Total

               

              $

              803

               

              $

              1,816

               

              Warrant sale

              In the Firstmark acquisition the Company obtained warrants to purchase ordinary shares of a company listed on the NASDAQ. The warrants were valued at the acquisition date at a fair market value of approximately $2.6 million under the Black-Scholes method of valuation. In January 2004, the Company exercised the warrants and sold the related securities for proceeds of approximately $3.5 million resulting in a gain of approximately $0.9 million. The gain is included as a component of interest and other income in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

               
               2000
               2001
              Prepaid expenses $945 $2,159
              Deposits  196  1,655
              Deferred financing costs  6,072  15,647
                
               
              Total $7,213 $19,461
                
               

              6.7.   Long-term debt:

                      In March 2000, Cogent entered intoTroubled Debt Restructuring—Cisco Credit Facility

              Prior to July 31, 2003, the Company was party to a $280$409 million credit facility with Cisco Capital. In March 2001,Systems Capital Corporation (“Cisco Capital”). On June 12, 2003, the Board of Directors approved a transaction with Cisco Systems, Inc. (“Cisco”) and Cisco Capital that restructured the Company’s indebtedness to Cisco Capital while at the same time selling Series G preferred stock to certain of the Company’s existing stockholders. The sale of Series G preferred stock was required to obtain the cash needed to complete the Cisco credit facility restructuring. On June 26, 2003, the Company’s stockholders approved these transactions. The Company entered into an agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Cisco and Cisco Capital pursuant to which, among other things, Cisco and Cisco Capital agreed to cancel the principal amount of $262.8 million of indebtedness plus $6.3 million of accrued interest and return warrants exercisable for the purchase of common stock (the “Cisco Warrants”) in exchange for a cash payment by the Company of $20 million, the issuance of 11,000 shares of the Company’s Series F preferred stock, and the issuance of an amended and restated promissory note (the “Amended and Restated Cisco Note”) with an aggregate principal amount of $17.0 million under the modified credit facility (“Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). This transaction has been accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 15, “Accounting by Debtors and Creditors of Troubled Debt Restructurings”. Under SFAS No. 15, the Amended and Restated Cisco Note was recorded at its principal amount plus the total estimated future interest payments. The Company also entered into an agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain of the Company’s existing preferred stockholders (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company sold to the Investors in several sub-series, 41,030 shares of the Company’s Series G preferred stock for $41.0 million in cash. On July 31, 2003, the Company, Cisco Capital, Cisco and the Investors closed on the Exchange Agreement and the Purchase Agreement. The closing of these transactions resulted in the following:

              Under the Purchase Agreement:

              ·       The Company issued 41,030 shares of Series G preferred stock in several sub-series for gross cash proceeds of $41.0 million;

              ·       The Company’s outstanding Series A, B, C, D and E preferred stock (“Existing Preferred Stock”) was converted into approximately 0.5 million shares of common stock. The conversion resulted in the elimination of the book values of these series of preferred stock and a corresponding increase to common stock based upon the common stock’s par value and an increase in additional paid in capital of $183.7 million.

              Under the Exchange Agreement:

              ·       The Company paid Cisco Capital $20.0 million in cash and issued to Cisco Capital 11,000 shares of Series F preferred stock;

              ·       The Company issued to Cisco Capital the $17.0 million Amended and Restated Cisco Note;

              ·       The default under the Cisco credit facility was eliminated;

              ·       The amount outstanding under the Cisco credit facility including accrued interest was cancelled;

              ·       The service provider agreement with Cisco was amended;

              ·       The Cisco Warrants were cancelled.

              62




              The gain resulting from the retirement of the amounts outstanding under the credit facility under the Exchange Agreement was increaseddetermined as follows (in thousands):

              Cash paid

               

              $

              20,000

               

              Issuance of Series F preferred stock

               

              11,000

               

              Amended and Restated Cisco Note, principal plus future interest payments

               

              17,842

               

              Transaction costs

               

              1,167

               

              Total consideration

               

              50,009

               

              Amount outstanding under the Cisco credit facility

               

              (262,812

              )

              Interest accrued under the Cisco credit facility

               

              (6,303

              )

              Book value of cancelled warrants

               

              (8,248

              )

              Book value of unamortized Cisco credit facility loan costs

               

              11,922

               

              Gain—Cisco credit facility—troubled debt restructuring

               

              $

              (215,432

              )

              On a basic income and diluted income per share basis the gain was $27.14 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

              Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Cisco Capital’s obligation to $310 million. In October 2001, Cogent entered into a new agreement for $409 million (the "Facility"). This credit facility replacedmake additional loans to the existing $310 million credit facility betweenCompany was terminated. Additionally the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement eliminated the Company’s financial performance covenants. Cisco Capital retained its senior security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets, however, the Company may subordinate Cisco Capital’s security interest in the Company’s accounts receivable to another lender. The Amended and Cogent. The October 2001 agreement matures on December 31, 2008Restated Cisco Note was issued under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and is available to financebe repaid in three installments. No interest is payable, nor does interest accrue on the purchasesAmended and Restated Cisco Note for the first 30 months, unless the Company defaults under the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Principal and interest is paid as follows: a $7.0 million principal payment is due in February 2006, a $5.0 million principal payment plus interest accrued is due in February 2007, and a final principal payment of $5.0 million plus interest accrued is due in February 2008. When the Amended and Restated Cisco network equipment, softwareNote accrues interest, interest accrues at the 90-day LIBOR rate plus 4.5%.

              The Amended and related services, to fund working capital, and to fund interest and fees related to the Facility. On

              49



              January 31, 2002, the Facility was amended to modify certain covenants in connection with the Company's merger with Allied Riser.

                      The Facility requires compliance with certain financial and operational covenants, among other conditions and restrictions. During 2001, Cogent violated certain debt covenants related to minimum customers and revenues. However, as of December 31, 2001, CogentRestated Cisco Note is in compliance with the agreement. The Company is subject to similar covenants in the future.

                      Borrowings may be prepaid at any time without penalty and are subject to mandatory prepayment basedin full, without prepayment penalty, upon the occurrence of the closing of any change in control of the Company, the completion of any equity financing or receipt of loan proceeds in excess of $30.0 million, the achievement by the Company of four consecutive quarters of positive operating cash flow of at least $5.0 million, or upon the receiptmerger of the Company resulting in a combined entity with an equity value greater than $100.0 million, each of these events is defined in the agreement. The debt is subject to partial mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to the lesser of $2.0 million or the amount raised if the Company raises less than $30.0 million in a future equity financing.

              Allied Riser convertible subordinated notes

              On September 28, 2000, Allied Riser completed the issuance and sale in a private placement of an aggregate of $150.0 million in principal amount of its 7.50% convertible subordinated notes due September 15, 2007 (the “Notes”). At the closing of the merger between Allied Riser and the Company, approximately $117.0 million of the Notes were outstanding.

              In January 2003, the Company, Allied Riser and the holders of approximately $106.7 million in face value of the Allied Riser notes entered into an exchange agreement and a settlement agreement. Pursuant to the exchange agreement, these note holders surrendered their notes, including accrued and unpaid interest, in exchange for a cash payment of approximately $5.0 million, 3.4 million shares of the Company’s Series D preferred stock and 3.4 million shares of the Company’s Series E preferred stock. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, these note holders dismissed their litigation with prejudice in exchange for the cash


              payment. These transactions closed in March 2003 when the agreed amounts were paid and the Company issued the Series D and Series E preferred shares. The settlement and exchange transactions together eliminated $106.7 million in face amount of the notes due in June 2007, interest accrued on these notes since the December 15, 2002 interest payment, all future interest payment obligations on these notes and settled the litigation with note holders. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had accrued the amount payable under the settlement agreement, net of a specified amountrecovery of $1.5 million under its insurance policy. This resulted in a net expense of $3.5 million recorded in 2002. The $4.9 million payment required under the settlement agreement was paid in March 2003. The Company received the $1.5 million insurance recovery in April 2003. The exchange agreement resulted in a gain of approximately $24.8 million recorded in March 2003. The gain resulted from the saledifference between the $36.5 million net book value of the Company's securities, each as defined. Principal payments beginnotes ($106.7 face value less the related discount of $70.2 million) and $2.0 million of accrued interest and the exchange consideration which included $5.0 million in March 2005. Borrowings accrue interestcash and the $8.5 million estimated fair market value for the Series D and Series E preferred stock less approximately $0.2 million of transaction costs. The estimated fair market value for the Series D and Series E preferred stock was determined by using the price per share of our Series C preferred stock, which represented the Company’s most recent equity transaction for cash.

              The terms of the remaining $10.2 million of Notes were not impacted by these transactions and they continue to be due on June 15, 2007. These $10.2 million notes were recorded at their fair value of approximately $2.9 million at the three-month LIBOR rate, establishedmerger date. The discount is accreted to interest expense through the maturity date. The Notes are convertible at the beginningoption of each calendar quarter, plus a stated margin. The marginthe holders into approximately 1,050 shares of the Company’s common stock. Interest is dependent uponpayable semiannually on June 15 and December 15, and is payable, at the Company's leverage ratio, as defined, and may be reduced. Interest payments are deferred and beginelection of the Company, in March 2006. The weighted-average interest rate on all borrowings foreither cash or registered shares of the years ending December 31, 2000 and 2001 was approximately 11.2% and 8.5%, respectively. Borrowings are secured by a pledge of all of Cogent's assets andCompany’s common stock. The Facility includes restrictionsNotes are redeemable at the Company’s option at any time on Cogent's ability to transfer assets toor after the Company, except for certain operating liabilities. The Company has guaranteed Cogent's obligations under the Facility.third business day after June 15, 2004, at specified redemption prices plus accrued interest.

                      In June 2001, the Company borrowed $29.0 million of working capital loans under the March 2001 credit agreement. Warrants to purchase the Company's common stock were issued in connection with these working capital loans. The warrant exercise price was based upon the most recent significant equity transaction, as defined. This borrowing resulted in granting Cisco Capital warrants for 86,625 shares of the Company's common stock. In connection with the October 2001 agreement, the Company issued Cisco Capital warrants for an additional 623,591 shares of its common stock and incurred a $2.0 million closing fee. The closing fee was paid with the use of the credit facility. All warrants are exercisable for eight years from the grant date at exercise prices ranging from $12.47 to $30.44 per share, with the weighted-average exercise price of $18.10. These warrants have been valued at approximately $8.3 million using the Black-Scholes method of valuation and are recorded as deferred financing costs and stock purchase warrants in the accompanying December 31, 2001 balance sheet using the following assumptions—average risk free rates of 4.5 to 5.8 percent, estimated fair values of the Company's common stock of $11.25 to $40.95, expected lives of 8 years and expected volatility of 90%. The deferred financing costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Facility.

                      Borrowings under the Facility are available in increments subject to Cogent's satisfaction of certain operational and financial covenants over time. Up to $25 million is available for additional equipment loans through June 30, 2002, of which $1.3 million was borrowed as of December 31, 2001. An additional $100 million of equipment loans becomes available on July 1, 2002. Up to $16 million is available to fund interest and fees related to the Facility through June 30, 2002 of which $6.4 million was borrowed as of December 31, 2001. An additional $59 million for funding interest and fees related to the Facility becomes available on July 1, 2002. An additional $35 million in working capital loans becomes available on July 1, 2002. The aggregate balance of working capital loans is limited to 35 percent of outstanding equipment loans. Borrowings under the Facility for the purchase of products and working capital are available until December 31, 2004. Borrowings under the Facility for the funding of interest and fees are available until December 31, 2005.

                      The Company began entering into equipment loans in August 2000. At December 31, 2001, there were $145.9 million of equipment loans, $29.0 million of working capital loans and $6.4 million of interest and fee loans outstanding. Subsequent to year-end, and through March 1, 2002, the Company borrowed an additional $5.8 million of equipment loans.

              50


                      Maturities of borrowings under the Facility are as follows (in thousands):

              For the year ending December 31   
              2002 $
              2003  
              2004  
              2005  434
              2006  60,437
              Thereafter  120,441
                
                $181,312
                

              7.8.   Income taxes:

              The net deferred tax asset is comprised of the following (in thousands):


               December 31
               

               

              December 31

               


               2000
               2001
               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Net operating loss carry-forwards $3,889 $28,827 

               

              $

              234,059

               

              $

              283,860

               

              Depreciation (191) (1,102)

               

              (23,627

              )

              (36,823

              )

              Start-up expenditures 760 1,062 

               

              3,724

               

              3,379

               

              Accrued liabilities 344 973 

               

              3,633

               

              726

               

              Deferred compensation  1,325 

               

              10,255

               

              15,230

               

              Other

               

              28

               

              16

               

              Valuation allowance (4,802) (31,085)

               

              (228,072

              )

              (266,388

              )

               
               
               
              Net deferred tax asset $ $ 

               

              $

               

              $

               

               
               
               

               

              Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of its net deferred tax asset, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance for the full amount of its net deferred tax asset. Should the Company achieve profitability, its deferred tax assets may be available to offset future income tax liabilities. The Company has combined net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $788 million. The federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards for the United States of approximately $374 million expire in 2020 to 2024. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards related to its European operations of approximately $414 million, $52 million of which expire between 2005 and 2009 and $362 million of which do not expire. The federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards of $71Allied Riser Communications Corporation as of February 4, 2002 of approximately $183 million expireare subject to certain limitations on annual utilization due to the change in 2019 to 2021. Forownership as a result of the merger as defined by federal and state


              tax purposes, the Company'slaws. The Company’s net operating loss carry-forwards could be subject to certain limitations on annual utilization if certain changes in ownership were to occur as defined by federalthe laws in the respective jurisdictions.

              Under Section 108(a)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 gross income does not include amounts that would be includible in gross income by reason of the discharge of indebtedness to the extent that a non-bankrupt taxpayer is insolvent. Under Section 108(a)(1)(B) the Company believes that its gains on the settlement of debt with certain Allied Riser note holders and state tax laws.its debt restructuring with Cisco Capital for financial reporting purposes did not result in taxable income. However, these transactions resulted in a reduction to the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $20 million in 2003 and resulted in further reductions to the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $290 million in 2004.

              The following is a reconciliation of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the effective rate reported in the financial statements.


               1999
               2000
               2001
               

               

              2002

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Federal income tax (benefit) at statutory rates (34.0)%(34.0)%(34.0)%

               

              34.0

              %

              34.0

              %

              34.0

              %

              State income tax (benefit) at statutory rates, net of Federal benefit (6.6)(6.6)(6.6)

               

              7.6

               

              (3.7

              )

              6.6

               

              Increase in valuation allowance 40.6 40.6 40.6 
               
               
               
               

              Impact of foreign operations

               

               

               

              (0.4

              )

              Impact of permanent differences

               

              5.3

               

              (53.0

              )

              0.1

               

              Change in valuation allowance

               

              (46.9

              )

              22.7

               

              (40.3

              )

              Effective income tax rate %%%

               

              %

              %

              %

               
               
               
               

              8.9.   Commitments and contingencies:

              Capital leases—Fiber lease agreements

              The Company has entered into lease agreements with several providers for intra-city and inter—cityinter-city dark fiber primarily under 15-25 year IRU's.IRUs certain of which include renewal options. These IRU'sIRUs connect the Company's nationalCompany’s international backbone fiberfibers with the multi-tenant office buildings and the customers served by the Company. Once the Company has accepted the related fiber route, leases of intra-city and inter-city fiber-optic rings

              51



              that meet the criteria for treatment as capital leases are recorded as a capital lease obligation and IRU asset. The future minimum commitments under these agreements are as follows (in thousands):

              For the year ending December 31,

               

               

               

              2005

               

              $

              15,938

               

              2006

               

              13,996

               

              2007

               

              13,606

               

              2008

               

              11,549

               

              2009

               

              11,568

               

              Thereafter

               

              102,639

               

              Total minimum lease obligations

               

              169,296

               

              Less—amounts representing interest

               

              (65,921

              )

              Present value of minimum lease obligations

               

              103,375

               

              Current maturities

               

              (7,488

              )

              Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities

               

              $

              95,887

               

              For the year ending December 31    
              2002 $2,253 
              2003  2,253 
              2004  2,253 
              2005  2,253 
              2006  2,253 
              Thereafter  33,551 
                
               
              Total minimum lease obligations  44,816 
              Less — amounts representing interest  (23,658)
                
               
              Present value of minimum lease obligations  21,158 
              Current maturities  (426)
                
               
              Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities $20,732 
                
               

              Metromedia Fiber Networks ("MFN")Capital lease obligation amendments

              In February 2000,2004, the Company entered into an agreement with MFN tore-negotiated several lease fiber-optic cableobligations for its intra-city fiber-optic ringsfiber in France and Spain. These transactions resulted gains of approximately $5.3 million recorded as gains on lease obligation restructurings in the accompanying statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              In March 2004, Cogent France paid approximately $0.3 million and settled amounts due from and due to provide the Company access to providea vendor. The vendor leased Cogent France its service to certain multi-tenant office buildings. Each product order includes a lease offacility and an intra-city fiber-optic ring forIRU and was and continues to be a periodcustomer of upCogent France. The settlement agreement also restructured the IRU capital lease by reducing the 2.8 million euro ($3.6 million) January 2007 lease payment by 1.0 million euros ($1.3 million) and reducing the 2.5 million euro ($3.3 million) January 2008 lease payment by 1.0 million euros ($1.3 million). Under the settlement the lessor also agreed to 25 years and access to certain specified buildings in exchange for monthly payments. The agreement provides forpurchase a minimum annual commitment of 2,500 leased fiber milesIP services from Cogent France. This transaction resulted in a reduction to the capital lease obligation and 500 connected buildings within five years from the effective date and penalties for early termination. Under the agreement, MFN also provides installation, maintenance, restoration, and network monitoring services. Each leaseIRU asset of approximately $1.9 million.

              In November 2004, Cogent Spain negotiated modifications to an intra-city fiber-optic ring is treated as aIRU capital lease and recorded oncenote obligation with a vendor. In exchange for the Company has acceptedreturn of one of two strands of leased optical fiber, Cogent Spain reduced its quarterly IRU lease payments, modified its payments and eliminated accrued and future interest on its note obligation. The note obligation arose in 2003, when Cogent Spain, then LambdaNet España S.A, negotiated a settlement with the related fiber route.vendor that included converting certain amounts due under the capital lease into a note obligation. The 8.3 million euro ($10.8 million) note obligation had a term of twelve years and bore interest at 5% with a two-year grace period and was repayable in forty equal installments. The first installment was due in 2005. The modified note is interest free and includes nineteen equal quarterly installments of 0.2 million euros ($0.3 million) and a final payment of 4.1 million euros ($5.3 million) due in January 2010. Cogent Spain paid 0.2 million euros ($0.3 million) at settlement. The modification to the note obligation resulted in a gain of approximately $0.3 million. The modification to the IRU capital lease resulted in a gain of approximately $4.9 million. The transaction resulted in a gain since the difference between the carrying value of the old IRU obligation and the net present value of the new IRU obligation was greater than the carrying value of the IRU asset. The IRU asset had been significantly reduced due to the allocation of negative goodwill to the long-lived assets of Cogent Europe in the acquisition.

              Other Fiber Leases and Construction Commitments

                      The Company hasOne of the Company’s agreements with several fiber providers for the construction of laterals to connect office buildings to metro fiber rings and for the leasing of these metro fiber rings and the lateral fiber. These leases are generally for a period of 15-20 years and include renewal periods.includes minimum specified commitments. The future minimum commitment under these arrangements wasthis arrangement is approximately $60 million at December 31, 2001.$4.0 million.

              EquipmentCisco equipment purchase commitment

              In March 2000, the Company entered into a five-year agreement to purchase from Cisco minimum annual amounts of equipment, professional services, and software. In June 2000, the agreement was amended to increase the Company's previous commitment to purchase $150.1 million over four years to $212.2 million over five years. In October 2001, the commitment was increased to purchase a minimum of $270 million untilthrough December 2004. As of DecemberJuly 31, 2001,2003, the Company had purchased approximately $198.1 million towards this commitment and had met all of the minimum annual purchase commitment obligations. As part of the Company’s restructuring of the Cisco credit facility this agreement was amended. The amended agreement has no minimum purchase commitment but does have a requirement that the Company purchase Cisco equipment for its network equipment needs. No financing is provided and the Company is required to pay Cisco in advance for any purchases.


              Current and Potential Litigation

              In October 2004, the Company settled a dispute with a vendor over the amount invoiced by the vendor for telecommunications services. The settlement payment of $0.3 million was made in October 2004 and was less than the $1.0 million that had previously been recorded in accounts payable. As a result, approximately $0.7 million was recorded as a reduction to the cost of network operations in the third quarter of 2004.

              The Company is also involved in a dispute over services provided by and to Lambdanet Germany during the time LambdaNet Germany was a sister company of the Company’s French and Spanish subsidiaries (Note 12). Cogent France and Cogent Spain are no longer sister companies of LambdaNet Germany. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position related to these charges and believes it has defenses and offsetting claims against LambdaNet Germany.

              In 2003, a counterclaim was filed against the Company by a former employee in state court in California. The former employee asserted primarily that additional commissions were due to the employee. The Company had filed a claim against this employee for breach of contract among other claims. A judgment was awarded to the former employee and the Company has purchasedappealed this decision.

              The Company has been made aware of several other companies in its own and ordered approximately $153 million towards this commitment.

              Litigation

              Trademark

                      In October 2000,in other industries that use the word “Cogent” in their corporate names. One company has informed the Company was notified that it believes the Company’s use of the trade name “Cogent” infringes on its intellectual property rights in that name. If such a challenge is successful, the Company could be required to change its name and lose the goodwill associated with the Cogent Communications may conflict with pre-existing trademark rights.name in its markets. Management believes that this issue will be resolved withoutdoes not believe such a challenge, if successful, would have a material effectimpact on the Company'sCompany’s business, financial positioncondition or results of operations.

              52



              Vendor Claims

                      On July 26, 2001, in a case titledHewlett-PackardIn December 2003 several former employees of the Company’s Spanish subsidiary filed claims related to their termination of employment. The Company v. Allied Riser Operations Corporation a/k/a Allied Riser Communications, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company filed a complaint against a subsidiary of Allied Riser, Allied Riser Operations Corporation, in the 95th Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas, seeking damages of $18.8 million attorneys' fees, interest, and punitive damages relating to various types of equipment allegedly ordered from Hewlett-Packard Company by Allied Riser Operations Corporation. Management believes that this claim is without merit and Allied Riser has filed its answer generally denying Hewlett-Packard's claims. Management intends to continue to vigorously contest this lawsuit.

                      On January 16, 2002, Allied Riser received a letter from Hewlett-Packard Company allegingdefend its position related to these charges and feels that certain unspecified contracts are in arrears, and demanding payment in the amount of $10.0 million. The letter does not discuss the basisit has adequately reserved for the claims or whether the funds sought are different from or in addition to the funds sought in the July 26, 2001 lawsuit. Allied Riser, through its legal counsel, has made an inquiry of Hewlett-Packard's counsel to determine the basis for the claims in the letter. Management believes this claim is without merit and intends to vigorously contest this claim.potential liability.

              Note Holders Claims

                      On December 12, 2001, Allied Riser announced that certain holders of its 7.50% convertible subordinated notes due 2007 filed notices as a group with the SEC on Schedule 13D including copies of documents indicating that such group had filed suit in Delaware Chancery Court on December 6, 2001 against Allied Riser and its board of directors alleging, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties and requesting injunctive relief to prohibit Allied Riser's merger with Cogent, and alleging default by Allied Riser under the indenture related to the notes. The plaintiffs amended their complaint on January 11, 2002 and subsequently served it on Allied Riser. On January 28, 2002 the Court held a hearing on a motion by the plaintiffs to preliminarily enjoin the merger. On January 31, 2002 the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion denying that motion. Management believes that these claims are without merit, and intends to continue to vigorously contest this lawsuit.

              Securities and Exchange Commission Request

                      On February 21, 2002, the Division of Enforcement of the US Securities and Exchange Commission requested that the Company voluntarily provide it certain documents related to the fairness opinion delivered to the Allied Riser board of directors by Allied Riser financial advisor, Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin on August 28, 2001, and the Company's Series C preferred stock financing. The Company is complying withinvolved in other legal proceedings in the request. The SEC hasnormal course of business which management does not informedbelieve will have a material impact on the Company as to the reason for its request.Company’s financial condition.

              Operating leases, maintenance and license agreements

              The Company leases office space, network equipment sites, and facilities under operating leases. The Company also enters into building access agreements with the landlords of its targeted multi-

              53



              tenant office buildings. The Company pays monthly fees for the maintenance of its intra-city and intercity leased fiber and in certain cases the Company connects its customers to its network under operating lease commitments for fiber. Future minimum annual commitments under these arrangements are as follows (in thousands):

              Year ending December 31   
              2002 $7,090
              2003  7,549
              2004  7,723
              2005  7,600
              2006  6,831
              Thereafter  40,858
                
                $77,651
                

              2005

               

              $

              28,461

               

              2006

               

              24,264

               

              2007

               

              19,668

               

              2008

               

              16,944

               

              2009

               

              13,832

               

              Thereafter

               

              96,106

               

               

               

              $

              199,275

               

               

              Rent expense relates to leased office space and was $723,000$3.3 million in 20002002, $2.3 million in 2003 and $3,325,000$7.0 million in 2001. There was no rent expense in 1999.

              Connectivity, maintenance and transit agreements

                      In order to provide its service, the Company has commitments with service providers to connect to the Internet. The Company also pays Williams a monthly fee per route mile over a minimum of 20 years for the maintenance of its two national backbone fibers. In certain cases, the Company connects its customers and the buildings it serves to its national fiber-optic backbone using intra-city and inter-city fiber under operating lease commitments from various providers. These contracts range from month-to-month charges to 36-month terms.

                      Future minimum obligations as of December 31, 2001, related to these arrangements are as follows (in thousands):

              Year ending December 31   
              2002 $5,585
              2003  5,127
              2004  3,600
              2005  3,648
              2006  3,721
              Thereafter  60,636
                
                $82,317
                

              9.    Stockholders' equity:

              2004. The Company has authorized 21,100,000 sharessubleased certain office space and facilities. Future minimum payments


              under these sub lease agreements are approximately $1.2 million, $0.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the years ending December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2008, respectively.

              Shareholder Indemnification

              In November 2003 the Company’s Chief Executive Officer acquired LNG Holdings S.A. (“LNG”). LNG, through its LambdaNet group of $0.001 parsubsidiaries, operated a carriers’ carrier fiber optic transport business in Europe. In connection with this transaction, the Company provided an indemnification to certain former LNG shareholders. The Company provided the indemnification in connection with its plan to acquire certain subsidiaries of LNG (Note 12). The guarantee is without expiration and covers claims related to LNG’s LambdaNet subsidiaries and actions taken in respect thereof including actions related to the transfer of ownership interests in LNG. Should the Company be required to perform the Company will defend the action and may attempt to recover from LNG and other involved entities. The Company has recorded a long-term liability of approximately $0.2 million for the estimated fair value common stock, 26,000,000 shares of this obligation.

              10.   Stockholders’ equity:

              In June 2003, the Company’s board of directors and shareholders approved an amended and restated charter that eliminated the reference to the Company’s Series A, ConvertibleB, C, D, and E preferred stock (“Existing Preferred Stock ("Series A"Stock”),. In March 2005, the Company’s board of directors and 20,000,000 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series B")shareholders approved an amended and 52,137,643 shares of Series C Participating Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series C"). Therestated charter that increased the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock was increased from 7,000,000 to 21,100,000 in October 200175.0 million shares and designated 10,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock.

              On July 31, 2003 and in connection with the Series C financing.

                      In February 2000,Company’s restructuring of its debt with Cisco Capital, all of the Company’s Existing Preferred Stock was converted into approximately 0.5 million shares of common stock. At the same time the Company authorized and issued 26,000,00011,000 shares of Series AF preferred stock to Cisco Capital under the Exchange Agreement and issued 41,030 shares of Series G preferred stock for $26 million. The Series A contains voting rights at one vote per share equalgross proceeds of $41.0 million to the numberInvestors under the Purchase Agreement.

              In January 2004, Gamma merged with a subsidiary of the Company. Under the merger agreement, all of the issued and outstanding shares of Gamma common stock were converted into which2,575 shares of the Company’s Series A shares can be converted. The Series A is seniorI preferred stock and the Company became Gamma and Cogent Europe’s sole shareholder.

              On March 30, 2004, Omega merged with a subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the merger Omega had raised approximately $19.5 million in cash and acquired the rights to acquire a German fiber optic network. The Company issued 3,891 shares of Series J preferred stock to the shareholders of Omega in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock and includesof Omega.

              On August 12, 2004, UFO Group merged with a stated liquidation preferencesubsidiary of the original purchase priceCompany. Prior to the merger UFO Group had raised net cash of $1.00 per share plus interest atapproximately $2.1 million and acquired the three-month LIBOR rate plus a stated percentage. rights to acquire the majority of the assets of Unlimited Fiber Optics, Inc. The Company issued 2,600 shares of Series K preferred stock to the shareholders of UFO Group in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of UFO Group.

              On September 15, 2004, the Company issued 185 shares of Series L preferred stock to the shareholders of Global Access in exchange for the majority of the assets of Global Access.

              On October 26, 2004, the Company merged with Potomac. The Company issued 3,700 shares of Series M preferred stock in exchange for all of the outstanding common shares of Potomac. Prior to the merger, Potomac had acquired the majority of the assets of Aleron.

              Each share of the Series A is convertible, at any time, atF preferred stock, Series G preferred stock, Series H preferred stock, Series I preferred stock, Series J preferred stock, Series K preferred stock, Series L preferred stock and Series M preferred stock (collectively, the option of the holder“New Preferred”) may be converted into shares of common stock at the


              election of its holder at any time. The Series F, Series G, Series I, Series J, Series K, Series L and Series M preferred stock were convertible into 3.4 million, 12.7 million, 0.8 million, 6.0 million, 0.8 million, 0.3 million and 5.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively. In March 2005, the New Preferred was converted into voting common stock. In connection with the Equity Conversion, the liquidation preferences on the New Preferred were also eliminated.

              Warrants and options

              Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock were issued to Cisco Capital in connection with working capital loans under the Company’s credit facility. On July 31, 2003 these warrants were cancelled as part of the restructuring of the Company’s debt to Cisco Capital.

              In connection with the February 2002 merger with Allied Riser, the Company assumed warrants issued by Allied Riser that convert into approximately 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. All warrants are exercisable at exercise prices ranging from $0 to $9,500 per share. These warrants were valued at approximately $0.8 million using the Black-Scholes method of valuation and are recorded as stock purchase warrants using the following assumptions—average risk free rate of one share4.7 percent, an estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock of $5.32, expected live of 8 years and expected volatility of 207.3%.

              In connection with the February 2003 purchase of certain assets of FNSI options for each ten shares of Series A, subject to adjustment, and automatically converts under certain conditions, as noted below.

              54



                      In July 2000, the Company issued 19,809,783 shares of Series B preferred stock for approximately $90 million. The Series B contains voting rights at one vote per share equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the Series B shares can be converted. The Series B is senior to the common stock and includes a stated liquidation preference of the original purchase price of $4.55 per share plus interest at the three-month LIBOR rate plus a stated percentage. Each share of Series B is convertible, at any time, at the option of the holder into6,000 shares of common stock at $9.00 per share were issued to certain former FNSI vendors. The fair value of these options was estimated at $52,000 at the date of grant with the following weighted-average assumptions—an average risk-free rate of 1.2979 shares3.5 percent, a dividend yield of common stock for each ten shares0 percent, an expected life of Series B, subject to adjustment,10.0 years, and automatically converts under certain conditions, as noted below.expected volatility of 128%.

              Dividends

              The participation termsCisco credit facility and the Company’s line of the Series A and Series B provide that under a liquidation and after the liquidation preferences of the Series A and Series B noted above have been satisfied, all remaining assets ofcredit prohibit the Company are distributed ratablyfrom paying cash dividends and restricts the Company’s ability to all holdersmake other distributions to its stockholders.

              Beneficial Conversion Charges

              Beneficial conversion charges of preferred stock, as if converted to$2.5 million, $19.5 million, $2.6 million, $0.9 million and $18.5 million were recorded on January 5, 2004, March 30, 2004, August 12, 2004, September 15, 2004, and October 26, 2004 respectively, since the price per common stock, and to all holders of common stock. These distributions are made until the aggregate distribution to the Series A is $3.00 per share and the Series B is $9.10 per share at which time allthe Series AI, Series J, Series K, Series L and Series B preferred shares are considered redeemed and are canceled.

                      In October 2001, the Company issued 49,773,402 shares of Series CM preferred stock for approximately $62 million. The Series C contains voting rights at one vote per share equal toconverts into were less than the number of shares into which the Series C can be converted. Upon liquidation, as defined, holders of Series C preferred stock are entitled to receive certain preferences to holders of common stock. In the event of a liquidation, before holders of common stock receive any distribution, holders of Series C preferred stock will receive a stated liquidation preference of an amount equal to the greater of (i) $2.0091 or (ii) $1.2467 per share plus interest at the three-month LIBOR rate plus a stated percentage.

                      The participation termsquoted trading price of the Series C provide that under a liquidation and after the liquidation preferences of the Series A, Series B and Series C noted above have been satisfied, all remaining assets of the Company are distributed ratably to all holders of preferred stock, as if converted to common stock, and to all holders of common stock. These distributions are made until the aggregate distribution to the Series A and Series B is as noted above and the aggregate distribution to the Series C is $3.7401 per share, at which time all preferred shares are considered redeemed and are canceled.

                      Holders of Series C preferred stock shall be entitled to receive, as declared, cash dividends at a rate of 8% of the original Series C preferred stock purchase price per annum. Any partial payment will be made ratably among the holders of Series C preferred stock. Except for acquisitions of common stock pursuant to agreements which permit the Company to repurchase such shares at cost upon termination of services to the Company or acquisitions of common stock in exercise of the Company's right of first refusal to repurchase such shares, the Company may not declare any dividends or make any other distribution on any other stock, called junior stock (Series A, Series B and common stock), until all dividends on the Series C preferred stock have been paid. If dividends are paid on any junior stock, the Company shall pay an additional dividend on all outstanding shares of Series C preferred stock in an amount per share equal (on an as-if-converted to common stock basis) to the amount paid or set aside for each share of junior stock.

                      Series C preferred stock may be converted to common stock at any time. Each share of Series C is convertible into shares of common stock at the rate of one share of common stock for each ten shares of Series C, subject to adjustment.

                      All shares of preferred stock will automatically be converted into common stock upon the election of 66.66% of the shareholders holding outstanding shares of preferred stock or immediately upon the closing of a firmly underwritten public offering in which the aggregate pre-money valuation is at least $500,000,000 and in which the gross cash proceeds are at least $50,000,000.

              55



                      In the event of a stock split or reverse stock split, the applicable conversion prices will be proportionately decreased or increased. If the Company declares a common stock dividend or distribution, the conversion prices shall be adjusted by multiplying them by the quotient equal to the total number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the issuance divided by the total number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the issuance plus the number of shares of common stock issuable in payment of the dividend or distribution. If the Company declares a dividend payable in securities of the corporation other than common stock, the common stock is changed to a different type of stock, or if there is a capital reorganization, holders of preferred stock shall be entitled, upon conversion of their preferred stock, to receive an amount of securities or property equivalent to what they would have received if they had converted their preferred stock toCompany’s common stock on the date of the dividend, reclassification, re-capitalization, or capital reorganization.

                      If the Company issues or sells additional shares of common stock for a price which is less than the then-applicable Series A conversion price in the case of Series A preferred stock, the applicable Series B conversion price in the case of Series B preferred stock, or the applicable Series C conversion price in the case of Series C preferred stock, then the conversion prices shall be reduced to prices calculated as prescribed by the Company's certificate of incorporation.

              Beneficial Conversion

                      The October 2001 issuance of Series C preferred stock resulted in an adjustment of the conversion rate of the Series B preferred stock from 1.0 shares of common stock per ten shares of Series B preferred to 1.2979 shares of common stock per ten shares of Series B preferred. This equates to an additional 590,198 shares of common stock. This transaction resulted in a non-cash beneficial conversion charge of approximately $24.2 million that was recorded in the Company's fourth quarter 2001 financial statements as a reduction to retained earnings and earnings available to common shareholders and an increase to additional paid-in capital.date.


              10.11.   Stock option plan:plans:

              Equity Incentive Plan

              In 1999, the Company adopted its Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"“Plan”) for granting of options to employees, directors, and consultants under which 1,490,00074,500 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance. Options granted under the Plan may be designated as incentive or nonqualified at the discretion of the Plan administrator. Stock options granted under the Plan generally vest over a four-year period and have a

              56



              term of ten years. Stock options exercised, granted, and canceled during the period from inception (August 9, 1999)December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2001,2004, were as follows:


               Number of
              options

               Weighted-average
              exercise price

               

              Number of
              options

               

              Weighted-average
              exercise price

               

              Outstanding at inception (August 9, 1999)  $

              Outstanding at December 31, 2001

               

               

              57,896

               

               

               

              $

              106.00

               

               

              Granted 46,950 $0.10

               

               

              7,694

               

               

               

              $

              38.60

               

               

              Exercised  $

               

               

              (365

              )

               

               

              $

              2.60

               

               

              Cancellations  $

               

               

              (13,561

              )

               

               

              $

              138.80

               

               

               
               
              Outstanding at December 31, 1999 46,950 $0.10

              Outstanding at December 31, 2002

               

               

              51,664

               

               

               

              $

              88.20

               

               

              Granted 634,503 $10.03

               

               

              7,859

               

               

               

              $

              9.80

               

               

              Exercised (40,698)$2.22

               

               

               

               

               

              $

               

               

              Cancellations (32,619)$7.78

               

               

              (53,443

              )

               

               

              $

              85.60

               

               

               
               
              Outstanding at December 31, 2000 608,136 $9.90

              Outstanding at December 31, 2003

               

               

              6,080

               

               

               

              $

              9.03

               

               

              Granted 822,072 $4.04

               

               

               

               

               

              $

               

               

              Exercised (9,116)$2.25

               

               

               

               

               

              $

               

               

              Cancellations (263,172)$12.10

               

               

              (5

              )

               

               

              $

              40.00

               

               

               
               
              Outstanding at December 31, 2001 1,157,920 $5.30
               
               

              Outstanding at December 31, 2004

               

               

              6,075

               

               

               

              $

              9.00

               

               

              Options exercisable under the Plan as of December 31, 2002, were 25,342 with a weighted-average exercise price of $95.60. Options exercisable as of December 31 1999,, 2003, were 23,4756,002 with a weighted-average exercise price of $0.10. $9.03. Options exercisable as of December 31, 2004, were 6,033 with a weighted-average exercise price of $9.00. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of the outstanding options at December 31, 1999,2004, was approximately 9.7 years. Options exercisable as of December 31, 2000, were 36,946 with a weighted-average exercise price of $7.50. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of the outstanding options at December 31, 2000, was approximately 9.5 years. Options exercisable as of December 31, 2001, were 223,523 with a weighted- average exercise price of $7.24. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of the outstanding options at December 31, 2001, was approximately 9.48.2 years.

              OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE BY PRICE RANGERANGE—2000 PLAN
              As of December 31, 2001
              2004

              Range of
              Exercise Prices

               Number
              Outstanding
              12/31/2001

               Weighted
              Average
              Remaining
              Contractual Life (years)

               Weighted-
              Average
              Exercise Price

               Number
              Exercisable
              As of 12/31/2001

               Weighted-
              Average
              Exercise Price

              $0.10 9,425 7.65 $0.10 6,468 $0.10
              $2.00 691,670 9.92 $2.00 60,163 $2.00
              $2.50 95,292 8.23 $2.50 40,089 $2.50
              $10.00 180,830 8.50 $10.00 70,569 $10.00
              $15.00 180,703 8.98 $15.00 45,964 $15.00
                
               
               
               
               
              $0.10 — $15.00 1,157,920 9.39 $5.30 223,253 $7.24
                
               
               
               
               

              Range of Exercise
              Prices

               

               

               

              Number
              Outstanding
              12/31/2004

               

              Weighted Average
              Remaining
              Contractual Life
              (years)

               

              Weighted-Average
              Exercise Price

               

              Number
              Exercisable
              As of
              12/31/2004

               

              Weighted-Average
              Exercise Price

               

              $9.00

               

               

              6,075

               

               

               

              8.16

               

               

               

              $

              9.00

               

               

               

              6,033

               

               

               

              $

              9.00

               

               

               Pro forma information regarding net loss required by SFAS No.123 has been determined as if

              Offer to exchange—Series H Preferred Stock and 2003 and 2004 Incentive Award Plans (“2004 Plan”)

              In September 2003, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the board of directors adopted and the stockholders approved, the Company’s 2003 Incentive Award Plan (the “Award Plan”). The Award Plan reserved 54,001 shares of Series H preferred stock for issuance under the Award Plan. In September 2003, the Company had accounted foroffered its employees the opportunity to exchange eligible outstanding stock options and certain common stock for restricted shares of Series H preferred stock under the minimum value method, whileAward Plan. In 2004, the Company’s board of directors and shareholders approved the Company’s 2004 Incentive Award Plan that increased the shares of Series H preferred stock available for grant as either restricted shares or options for restricted shares under the Award Plan from 54,001 to 84,001 shares. In July 2004, the


              Company began granting options for Series H preferred stock. Each share of Series H preferred stock and each option for Series H preferred stock was a private company, resultsconvertible into approximately 38 shares of common stock and were converted in a pro forma net loss of $11,953,000 for 2000 and $83,000 for 1999.connection with the Equity Conversion. The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of options granted was $4.00 in 2000 and $0.05 in 1999. The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grantSeries H preferred shares were valued using the minimum value methodtrading price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. For restricted shares granted under the offer to exchange, the vesting period was 27% upon grant with the following weighted-average assumptionsremaining shares vesting ratably over a three year period and for share and options grants to newly hired employees; the shares generally vest 25% after one year with the remaining shares vesting ratably over three years. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the service period.

              Stock options for Series H preferred stock exercised, granted, and canceled under the 2004 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2000—an average risk-free rate2004, were as follows:

               

               

              Number of
              Options

               

              Weighted-average
              exercise price

               

              Outstanding at December 31, 2003

               

               

               

               

               

              $

               

               

              Granted

               

               

              27,499

               

               

               

              $

              87.24

               

               

              Cancellations

               

               

              (61

              )

               

               

              $

              237.20

               

               

              Outstanding at December 31, 2004

               

               

              27,438

               

               

               

              $

              230.77

               

               

              OUTSTANDING AND EXERCISABLE BY PRICE RANGE—2004 PLAN
              As of 5.25 percent, a dividend yieldDecember 31, 2004

              Range of Exercise
              Prices

               

               

               

              Number
              Outstanding
              12/31/2004

               

              Weighted Average
              Remaining
              Contractual Life
              (years)

               

              Weighted-Average
              Exercise Price

               

              Number
              Exercisable
              As of 
              12/31/2004

               

              Weighted-Average
              Exercise Price

               

              $0.01 (granted below market value)

               

               

              17,500

               

               

               

              9.69

               

               

               

              $

              0.01

               

               

               

               

               

               

              $

               

               

              $192.31 to $361.54

               

               

              9,812

               

               

               

              9.51

               

               

               

              $

              231.63

               

               

               

              877

               

               

               

              $

              230.77

               

               

              $569.23 to $1,230.77

               

               

              126

               

               

               

              9.93

               

               

               

              $

              569.23

               

               

               

               

               

               

              $

               

               

              $0.01 to $1,230.77

               

               

              27,438

               

               

               

              9.63

               

               

               

              $

              86.91

               

               

               

              877

               

               

               

              $

              230.77

               

               

              Shares of 0 percent,Series H preferred stock granted, converted into common stock and an expected life of 10canceled under the 2003 and 2004 Plan during the years and for the year ended December 31, 1999—an average risk-free rate2003 and December 31, 2004, were as follows:

              Number of
              Shares

              Outstanding at December 31, 2002

              Granted (weighted average fair value of $861.28)

              53,873

              Converted into common stock

              Cancellations

              (500

              )

              Outstanding at December 31, 2003

              53,373

              Granted (weighted average fair value of $1,239.00)

              1,913

              Converted into 166,844 shares of common stock

              (4,338

              )

              Cancellations

              (5,127

              )

              Outstanding at December 31, 2004

              45,821

              71




              Vested shares do not expire and were 25,833 as of 6.5 percent, a dividend yield of 0 percent, and an expected life of 10 years.December 31, 2004.

              57



                      Pro forma information regarding net loss required by SFAS No.123 under the fair value method, which is required for public companies, results in a pro forma net loss of $70.5 million for 2001. The weighted-average per share grant date fair value of options granted was $14.85 in 2001. The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant with the following weighted-average assumptions —an average risk-free rate of 5.0 percent, a dividend yield of 0 percent, and an expected life of 5.0 years, and expected volatility of 128%.

              Deferred Compensation ChargeCharges—Stock Options and Restricted Stock

              The Company recorded a deferred compensation charge of approximately $11.1$14.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 related to options granted at exercise prices below the estimated fair market value of the Company'sCompany’s common stock on the date of grant. The deferred compensation charge was amortized over the service period of the related options which was generally four years. In connection with the October 2003 offer to exchange and granting of Series H preferred stock the remaining $3.2 million unamortized balance of deferred compensation is beingnow amortized over the vesting period of the Series H preferred stock.

              In July 2004, the Company began granting options for Series H preferred stock, 17,500 of which were granted with an exercise price below the trading price of the Company’s common stock on grant date. These option grants resulted in additional deferred compensation of $4.7 million recorded during the third quarter of 2004. Deferred compensation for these option grants was determined by multiplying the difference between the exercise price and the market value of the Series H preferred stock on grant date times the number of options granted and is being amortized over the service period.

              Under the offer to exchange, the Company recorded a deferred compensation charge of approximately $46.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. The Company has also granted additional shares of Series H preferred to its new employees resulting in an additional deferred compensation. For grants of restricted stock, when an employee terminates prior to full vesting, the total remaining deferred compensation charge is reduced, the employee retains their vested shares and the employees’ unvested shares are returned to the plan. For grants of options for restricted stock, when an employee terminates prior to full vesting, the total remaining deferred compensation charge is reduced, previously recorded deferred compensation is reversed and the employee may elect to exercise their vested options for a period of ninety days and any of the employees’ unvested options are returned to the plan. Deferred compensation for the granting of Series H preferred restricted shares was determined using the trading price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

              The amortization of deferred compensation expense related to stock options which is generally four years. Compensation expenseand restricted stock was approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 was approximately $3.3 million. 2002, $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $12.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              12.   Related party transactions:

              Office lease

              The total compensation charge is reduced when employees terminate prior to vesting.

              11.  Related party:

                      The Company'sCompany’s headquarters is located in an office building owned by an entity controlled by the Company'sCompany’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company paid $333,000$410,000 in 20002002, $367,000 in 2003 and $453,000$409,000 in 20012004 in rent to this entity. The lease expires in August 2006.

              LNG Holdings S.A (“LNG”)

              In November 2003, approximately 90% of the stock of LNG, the then parent company to Firstmark, now named Cogent Europe, was acquired by Symposium Inc. (“Symposium”) a Delaware corporation. The acquisition was for no consideration and in return for a commitment to cause at least $2 million to be invested in LNG’s subsidiary LambdaNet France and an indemnification of LNG’s selling stockholders by the Company was not charged for this space in 1999.

              and Symposium. Symposium is wholly owned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. In January 2000,2004, LNG transferred its interest in Firstmark to Symposium Gamma, Inc. (“Gamma”), a Delaware corporation, in return for $1 and a commitment by Gamma to invest at least $2 million in the operations of Firstmark’s French subsidiary—now called Cogent France. Prior to the transfer, Gamma had raised approximately $2.5 million in a private equity transaction with certain existing investors in the


              Company and new investors. In January 2004, Gamma transferred $2.5 million to Cogent France and, by so doing, fulfilled the $2.0 million commitment. Symposium continues to own approximately 90% of the stock of LNG. LNG operates as a holding company. Its subsidiaries hold assets related to their former telecommunications operations. In connection with this transaction the Company collectedprovided an indemnification to certain former LNG shareholders.

              In January 2004, 215.1 million euros ($279.6 million) of Firstmark’s total debt of 216.1 million euros ($280.9 million) owed to its previous parent LNG, and other amounts payable of 4.9 million euros ($6.4 million) owed to LNG were assigned to Symposium Gamma, Inc. (“Gamma”) at their fair market value of 1 euro in connection with Gamma’s acquisition of Firstmark. Prior to the Company’s merger with Gamma, and advanced as part of the Gamma merger, LNG transferred 1.0 million euros ($1.3 million) to Cogent France. Cogent France repaid the 1.0 million euros ($1.3 million) to LNG in March 2004. Accordingly, 215.1 million euros ($279.6 million) of the total 216.1 million euros ($280.9 million) of the debt obligation and 4.9 million euros ($6.4 million) of the other amounts payable eliminate in the consolidation of these financial statements.

              Gamma and Omega

              Gamma and Omega are considered related parties to the Company since both entities had raised cash in private equity transactions with certain existing investors in the Company. Gamma was formed in order to acquire Firstmark. Omega was formed in order to acquire the rights to the German fiber optic network that was acquired by the Company in 2004. In December 2003, Gamma was capitalized with approximately $2.5 million in exchange for 100% of Gamma’s common stock. In March 2004, Omega was capitalized with approximately $19.5 million in exchange for 100% of Omega’s common stock.

              In 2004, Cogent Europe’s subsidiaries provided network services to and in turn utilized the network of LambdaNet Communications AG (“Lambdanet Germany”) in order for each entity to provide services to certain of their customers under a $25,000 note receivablenetwork sharing agreement. Lambdanet Germany was a majority owned subsidiary of LNG from itsNovember 2003 until April 2004 when Lambdanet Germany was sold to an unrelated party. During the year ended December 31, 2004 Cogent Europe recorded revenue of $2.0 million from Lambdanet Germany and network costs of $1.8 million under the network sharing agreement. As of December 31, 2004 and for 2004, Cogent Europe had recorded net amounts due from Lambdanet Germany of $2.0 million and net amounts due to Lambdanet Germany of $2.0 million. The Company is currently in negotiations with the new owner of Lambdanet Germany over the terms of settling these amounts.

              Marketing and Service Agreement

              The Company has entered into an agency sales and mutual marketing agreement with CTC Communications Corp., a company owned indirectly by one of the Company’s directors. CTC is also a customer and the Company recorded approximately $70,000 of revenue from CTC for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              Customer Agreement with Cisco Systems Capital Corporation

              In connection with the UFO acquisition we acquired Cisco as a customer. Cisco is a company stockholder and lender. The Company recorded revenue from Cisco of approximately $160,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              Vendor Settlement—-Nortel

              In 2004 the Company participated with LNG in the settlement of various disputes with Nortel Networks UK Limited and Nortel Networks France SAS, or Nortel. The dispute was regarding payments


              owed by Cogent France and LNG as well as disputes over ongoing maintenance and software licensing for Nortel equipment deployed in the Company’s European operations.

              In connection with the settlement, the Company committed to pay approximately 0.5 million euros ($0.6 million) as settlement in full of all amounts owed to Nortel through June 30, 2004. In addition, the Company committed to pay approximately 0.6 million euros ($0.8 million) for equipment maintenance services to be delivered by Nortel during the second half of 2004 and to enter into a new services agreement to extend certain maintenance and other services arrangements with Nortel through 2007. Under the terms of the settlement, if the Company terminates the agreement before the end of 2007 without cause, the Company would be required to pay a penalty of 1.0 million euros ($1.3 million) The settlement also included a commitment to pay 0.5 million euros ($0.7 million) over three years for right-to-use software licenses for certain Nortel equipment.

              Vendor Settlemen— Iberbanda

              Cogent Spain and LNG settled a number of disputes between those entities and Iberbanda, a Spanish entity from whom Cogent Spain had been leasing space and obtaining services. In the settlement, LNG released to Iberbanda a 0.3 million euro ($0.4 million) bond that had been put in place by LNG with the Spanish government as part of a bid for the right to construct a wireless network. In consideration for LNG’s release of the bond, Iberbanda settled a claim for approximately 0.7 million euros ($0.9 million) of back rent due and service charges. The rent related to the stockholder's 1999 purchaseformer Madrid offices of common shares.Cogent Spain. In addition, Cogent Spain granted a credit for services to Iberbanda in the amount of 0.2 million euros ($0.3 million) and agreed to pay approximately 80,000 euros ($104,000) in cash over a period of 18 months. LNG’s release of the 0.3 million euros ($0.4 million) euro bond has been recorded as a contribution of capital from a shareholder as a result of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer’s ownership of LNG.

              12.Reimbursement for Services Provided by LNG Employees

              In January 2005, the Company reimbursed LNG approximately 40,000 euros ($52,000) of the approximate 190,000 euros ($269,000) for salaries paid to two employees of LNG that were providing Cogent Europe accounting and management services during 2004. In November 2004, these two employees became employees of Cogent Europe. The remaining 150,000 euros ($217,000) is reflected in accrued liabilities on the accompanying December 31, 2004 balance sheet.

              13.   Quarterly financial information (unaudited):

               
               Three months ended
               
               
               March 31,
              2000

               June 30,
              2000

               September 30,
              2000

               December 31,
              2000

               
               
               (in thousands, except share and per share data)

               
              Total revenue $ $ $ $ 
              Operating loss  (284) (1,510) (3,930) (8,499)
              Net loss  (161) (1,378) (2,432) (7,790)
              Net loss per common share  (0.12) (1.00) (1.75) (5.57)
              Weighted-average number of shares outstanding  1,360,000  1,381,354  1,390,072  1,397,515 
               
               Three months ended
               
               
               March 31,
              2001

               June 30,
              2001

               September 30,
              2001

               December 31,
              2001

               
              Total revenue $ $90 $657 $2,271 
              Operating loss  (12,975) (14,527) (14,935) (18,657)
              Net loss  (12,794) (15,188) (17,448) (21,483)
              Net loss applicable to common stock  (12,794) (15,188) (17,448) (45,651)
              Net loss per common share  (9.12) (10.81) (12.39) (32.20)
              Weighted-average number of shares outstanding  1,402,798  1,404,587  1,408,614  1,417,522 

               

               

              Three months ended

               

               

               

              March 31,
              2003

               

              June 30,
              2003

               

              September 30,
              2003

               

              December 31,
              2003

               

               

               

              (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

               

              Net service revenue

               

              $

              14,233

               

              $

              15,519

               

              $

              15,148

               

               

              $

              14,522

               

               

              Cost of network operations, including amortization of deferred compensation

               

              10,739

               

              12,282

               

              12,067

               

               

              13,236

               

               

              Operating loss

               

              (14,880

              )

              (16,568

              )

              (15,901

              )

               

              (33,878

              )

               

              Gain—Cisco credit facility—troubled debt restructuring

               

               

               

              215,432

               

               

               

               

              Gain—Allied Riser note exchange

               

              24,802

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Net (loss) income

               

              1,914

               

              (22,796

              )

              196,462

               

               

              (34,837

              )

               

              Net (loss) income applicable to common stock

               

              1,914

               

              (22,796

              )

              144,462

               

               

              (34,837

              )

               

              Net (loss) income per common share—basic

               

              2.78

               

              (130.80

              )

              12.64

               

               

              (52.77

              )

               

              Net (loss) income per common share—diluted

               

              2.58

               

              (130.80

              )

              12.64

               

               

              (52.77

              )

               

              Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—basic

               

              688,233

               

              174,192

               

              11,426,017

               

               

              660,229

               

               

              Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—
              diluted

               

              692,257

               

              174,192

               

              11,429,777

               

               

              660,229

               

               

               


               

               

              Three months ended

               

               

               

              March 31,
              2004

               

              June 30,
              2004

               

              September 30,
              2004

               

              December 31,
              2004

               

               

               

              (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

               

              Net service revenue

               

              $

              20,945

               

              $

              20,387

               

               

              $

              21,736

               

               

               

              $

              28,218

               

               

              Cost of network operations, including amortization of deferred compensation

               

              15,947

               

              13,486

               

               

              14,510

               

               

               

              20,381

               

               

              Operating loss

               

              (21,939

              )

              (19,218

              )

               

              (20,160

              )

               

               

              (22,752

              )

               

              Gains—lease obligations restructuring

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              5,292

               

               

              Net loss

               

              (24,170

              )

              (22,225

              )

               

              (23,041

              )

               

               

              (20,224

              )

               

              Net loss applicable to common stock

               

              (46,198

              )

              (22,225

              )

               

              (26,496

              )

               

               

              (38,727

              )

               

              Net loss income per common share—basic

               

              (35.94

              )

              (29.51

              )

               

              (28.58

              )

               

               

              (24.66

              )

               

              Net loss income per common share—diluted

               

              (35.94

              )

              (29.51

              )

               

              (28.58

              )

               

               

              (24.66

              )

               

              Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—basic

               

              672,457

               

              753,130

               

               

              806,151

               

               

               

              820,125

               

               

              Weighted-average number of shares outstanding—
              diluted

               

              672,457

               

              753,130

               

               

              806,151

               

               

               

              820,125

               

               

              The net losslosses applicable to common stock for the third quarter of 2003, first quarter of 2004, third quarter of 2004 and fourth quarter of 2001 includes a2004 include non-cash beneficial conversion chargecharges of $24.2 million.$52.0 million, $22.0 million, $3.5 million and $18.5 million, respectively.

              5814.   Segment information:


              Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company operates as one operating segment. Below are the Company’s net revenues and long lived assets by geographic theater (in thousands):

               

               

              Year Ended
              December 31,
              2004

               

              Net Revenues

               

               

               

               

               

              North America

               

               

              $

              68,009

               

               

              Europe

               

               

              23,277

               

               

              Total

               

               

              $

              91,286

               

               

               

               

              December 31,
              2004

               

              Long lived assets, net

               

               

               

               

               

              North America

               

               

              $

              287,204

               

               

              Europe

               

               

              54,416

               

               

              Total

               

               

              $

              341,620

               

               


              13.15.   Subsequent events:

              Stock SplitSubordinated Note

                      All common share amounts, includingOn February 24, 2005, the numberCompany issued a subordinated note in the principal amount of authorized,$10.0 million to Columbia Ventures Corporation, a stockholder, in exchange for $10.0 million in cash. The note was issued pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement dated February 24, 2005. The note has an initial interest rate of 10% per annum and the interest rate increases by one percent on August 24, 2005, six months after the note was issued, and outstanding shares,by a further one percent at the conversion ratioend of each successive six-month period up to a maximum of 17%. Interest on the note accrues and is payable on the note’s maturity date of February 24, 2009. The Company may prepay the note in whole or in part at any time. The terms of the


              note require the payment of all principal and accrued interest upon the occurrence of a liquidity event, which is defined as an equity offering of at least $30 million in net proceeds. The note is subordinated to the debt evidenced by the Amended and Restated Cisco Note, as well as our accounts receivable line of credit obtained in March 2005. Management believes that the terms of the Company's preferred stock,note are at least as favorable as those the exercise price and number of shares subject to stock options and warrants, and loss per shareCompany would have been adjustedable to reflect the 10 for 1 reverse stock split effected January 31, 2002.obtain from an unaffiliated third party.

              Asset Purchase Agreement—PSINet, Inc.Line of Credit

              In January 2002,March 2005, the Company entered into a due diligence agreementline of credit with PSINet, Inc. ("PSINet")a commercial bank. The line of credit provides for borrowings of up to $10.0 million and is secured by our accounts receivable. The borrowing base is determined primarily by the aging characteristics related to our accounts receivable. On March 18, 2005, we borrowed $10.0 million against our North American accounts receivable. Of this amount $4.0 million is restricted and held by the lender. The line of credit matures on January 31, 2007. Borrowings under the line of credit accrue interest at the prime rate plus 1.5% and may, in certain circumstances, be reduced to the prime rate plus 0.5%. The Company’s obligations under the line of credit are secured by a first priority lien in certain of our accounts receivable and are guaranteed by the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries, as defined. The agreements governing the line of credit contain certain customary representations and warranties, covenants, notice provisions and events of default.

              Building Sale

              On March 30, 2005, we sold a building we owned located in Lyon, France for net proceeds of 3.8 million euros ($5.1 million). This agreement allowed the Company to undertake due diligence related to certaintransaction resulted in a gain of PSINet's network operations in the United States. The Company paid a $3.0approximately 2.9 million fee in January 2002 to PSINet in connection with this arrangementeuros ($3.9 million).


              . In February 2002, Cogent and PSINET entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement ("APA"). Pursuant to the APA, and subject to bankruptcy court approval, Cogent agreed to acquire certain of PSINet's assets and acquire certain liabilities related to PSINet's operations in the United States for a total of $7.0 million. The assets include certain of PSINet's customer contracts, accounts receivable, rights to 10,000 route miles pursuant to IRUs, telecommunications and computer equipment, three web hosting data centers, and certain intangibles, including settlement free peering rights. Settlement free peering rights permit the transfer of data traffic to other carriers at no cost. Assumed liabilities include certain leased circuit commitments and collocation arrangements.

              14.  Additional subsequent events:

              Note Holders Claims

                      On March 25, 2002, certain of the holders of Allied Riser's 7.50% convertible subordinated notes asserted that the merger constituted a change of control, and that as a result an event of default had occurred under the indenture. On March 27, 2002, based on such assertions, the Trustee under the indenture notified the Company that the principal amount of the notes and accrued interest is immediately due and payable. Management, after consultation with its legal advisors, does not believe that the merger qualifies as a change in control as defined in the indenture and is vigorously disputing the noteholders' assertion. However, in the event that the merger is deemed to be a change in control, the Company could be required by the noteholders to repurchase the $117.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest.

                      On March 27, 2002, certain holders of Allied Riser's notes filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code against Allied Riser in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. Management, after consultation with its legal advisors, believes that the claim is without merit and intends to vigorously contest it.

              PSINet Acquisition

                      On March 27, 2002, the bankruptcy court approved the acquisition. The transaction is expected to close in April 2002.


              ITEM 9.                CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

              None.

              59


              ITEM 9A.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

              We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

              As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

              There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

              ITEM 9B.       OTHER INFORMATION

              Not applicable.

              77





              PART III

              ITEM 10.         DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

              The information with required by this Item 10 is incorporated in this report by reference to the information set forth in the 2002 information statement2004 Definitive Information Statement for the 20022004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be held in June, 2002, which is expected to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year.


              ITEM 11.         EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

              The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated in this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption "Executive“Executive Officers Compensation"Compensation” in the 2002 information statement2004 Definitive Information Statement.


              ITEM 12.         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

              The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated in this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption "Security“Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management"Management” in the 2002 information statement.2004 Definitive Information Statement.


              ITEM 13.         CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

              The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated in this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption "Certain Transactions"“Certain Transactions” in the 20022004 Definitive Information Statement.

              ITEM 14.         PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

              The information statement.required by this Item 14 is incorporated in this report by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the 2004 Definitive Information Statement.

              60



              PART IV

              ITEM 14. 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

              (a)

              (a)

              1.

              1.

              Financial Statements. A list of financial statements included herein is set forth in the Index to Financial Statements appearing in "ITEM“ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA."




              2.


              2.


              Financial Statement Schedules. The Financial Statement ScheduleSchedules described below isare filed as part of the report.







              Description







              Report of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent Public Accountants






              Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent
              (Parent Company Information)







              Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.




              (b)


              Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed during

              All other financial statement schedules are not required under the three-month period ended December 31, 2001.relevant instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.


              (b)

              Exhibits.

              Exhibit

              Description


              2.1



              (c)

              Exhibits.


              Exhibit Index

              Exhibit

              Description
              2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 28, 2001, by and among Cogent, Allied Riser and the merger subsidiary (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)2001)


              2.2



              Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 13, 2001, by and among Cogent, Allied Riser and the merger subsidiary (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Appendix B to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)2001)


              2.3



              Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 6, 2001, among Cogent Communications, Inc., NetRail, Inc., NetRail Collocation Co., and NetRail Leasing Co. (previously filed as Exhibit 2.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 1), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed November 21, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)

              2.4


              Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 26, 2002, by and among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., PSINet, Inc. et al. (previously filed as Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 26, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)


              3.1

              2.4



              Second

              Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 2, 2004, among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Lux Merger Sub, Inc. and Symposium Gamma, Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.1 to our Periodic Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 8, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.

              2.5

              Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 30, 2004, among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., DE Merger Sub, Inc. and Symposium Omega, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 2.6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed on March 30, 2004)

              2.6

              Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 12, 2004, among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Marvin Internet, Inc., and UFO Group, Inc. (filed herewith)

              2.7

              Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2004, between Global Access telecommunications Inc., Symposium Gamma, Inc. and Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (filed herewith)

              2.8

              Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 26, 2004, among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Cogent Potomac, Inc. and NVA Acquisition, Inc. (filed herewith)

              2.9

              Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Assets, dated December 1, 2004, among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., SFX Acquisition, Inc. and Verio Inc. (filed herewith)

              3.1

              Form of Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 4), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed January 4, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)(filed herewith)


              3.2



              Amended Bylaws of Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to3.6 of our Registration StatementAnnual Report on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 4), Commission File No. 333-71684,10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed January 4, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)on March 30, 2004)


              4.1



              61



              4.1


              Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated October 16, 2001, by and among Cogent, David Schaeffer and each of the holders of Series A, B and C Preferred Stock (previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 4), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed January 4, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

              4.2


              Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 16, 2001, by and among Cogent, David Schaeffer and each major stockholder (previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 4), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed January 4, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)

              4.3


              First Supplemental Indenture, among Allied Riser Communications Corporation, as issuer, Cogent Communications Group, Inc., as co-obligor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee. (previously filed astrustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form POS AM (Post-Effective Amendment No. 2), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed February 4, 2002)


              4.4

              4.2



              Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2000 by and between Allied Riser Communications Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, relating to Allied Riser'sRiser’s 7.50% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2007. (previously filed as2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form POS AM (Post-Effective Amendment No. 1), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed January 25, 2002)


              10.1


              Sixth Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement of Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated as of February 9, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2005)

              10.2

              Seventh Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement of Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated August 12, 2004 (filed herewith)


              10.3

              Exchange Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2003, by and among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Cogent Communications, Inc., Cogent Internet, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc. and Cisco Systems Capital Corporation, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 7, 2003)

              10.4

              Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2003, by and among Cogent Communications, Inc., Cogent Internet, Inc., Cisco Systems Capital Corporation, and the other Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed on August 14, 2003)

              10.5

              Settlement Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2003, between Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Allied Riser Communications Corporation and the several noteholders named therein (incorporated by reference to 10.7 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2003)

              10.6

              Exchange Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2003, between Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Allied Riser Communications Corporation and the several noteholders named therein (incorporated by reference to 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2003)

              10.7

              Closing Date Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2003, between Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Allied Riser Communications Corporation and the several noteholders named therein (incorporated by reference to 10.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2003)

              10.8

              General Release, dated as of March 6, 2003, Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Allied Riser Communications Corporation and the several noteholders named therein (incorporated by reference to 10.18 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2003)

              10.9

              Fiber Optic Network Leased Fiber Agreement, dated February 7, 2000, by and between Cogent Communications, Inc. and Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc., as amended July 19, 2001 (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)†2001) *


              10.2

              10.10



              Dark Fiber IRU Agreement, dated April 14, 2000, between WilliamsWilTel Communications, Inc. and Cogent Communications, Inc., as amended June 27, 2000, December 11, 2000, January 26, 2001, and February 21, 2001 (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)†2001) *


              10.3

              10.11



              Credit Agreement, dated October 24, 2001, among Cisco Systems Capital Corporation, Cogent Communications, Inc., and Cogent International, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 2), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed December 7, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)

              10.4


              Cisco Systems, Inc. Service Provider Agreement, dated March 15, 2000, between Cisco Systems, Inc. and Cogent Communications, Inc., as amended June 1, 2000, and March 1, 2001 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)†

              10.5


              Amendment No. 4 to Service Provider Agreement, dated November 15, 2001, by and between Cisco Systems Inc. and Cogent Communications, Inc. (previously filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 1), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed November 21, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)†



              62



              10.6


              David Schaeffer Employment Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated February 7, 2000 (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)2001)


              10.7

              10.12



              William Currer Employment

              Form of Restricted Stock Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated May 23, 2000 (previously filed asrelating to Series H Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.710.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4,S-8, Commission File No. 333-71684,333-108702, filed October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)on September 11, 2003)


              10.8

              10.13



              Barry Morris Employment Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated March 13, 2000 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)

              10.9


              Scott Stewart Employment Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated April 3, 2000 (previously filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)

              10.10


              Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

              Lease for Headquarters Space by and between 6715 Kenilworth Avenue Partnership and Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated September 1, 2000 (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)2001)


              10.11

              10.14



              Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

              Renewal of Lease for Headquarters Space, by and between 6715 Kenilworth Avenue Partnership and Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated August 1, 2001 (previously filed as5, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1110.1 to our Registration StatementQuarterly Report on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684,10-Q, filed October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)on November 14, 2003)


              10.12

              10.15



              The Amended and Restated Cogent Communications Group, Inc. 2000 Equity Plan (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on October 16, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)2001)


              10.13

              10.16


              2003 Incentive Award Plan of Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8, Commission File No. 333-108702, filed on September 11, 2003)


              10.17

              2004 Incentive Award Plan of Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Definitive Information Statement on Schedule 14C, filed on September 22, 2004)

              10.18

              Dark Fiber Lease Agreement dated November 21, 2001, by and between Cogent Communications, Inc. and Qwest Communications Corporation (previously filed as(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended by a Form S-4/A (Amendment No. 2), Commission File No. 333-71684, filed on December 7, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference)†2001)


              21.1

              10.19



              Subsidiaries (previously

              Robert N. Beury, Jr. Employment Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated June 15, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 31, 2003)

              10.20

              Mark Schleifer Employment Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated September 18, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 31, 2003)

              10.21

              R. Reed Harrison Employment Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated July 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on August 16, 2004)

              10.22

              Participating Convertible Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2003, by and among Cogent Communications Group, Inc. and each of the several Investors signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to 10.3 to our Report on Form 8-K filed on August 7, 2003)

              10.23

              Conversion and Lock-up Letter Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2005, by and among Cogent Communications Group, Inc. and each of the several stockholders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.110.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2005)

              10.24

              Conversion and Lock-up Letter Agreement, dated as of February 9, 2005, by and among Cogent Communications Group, Inc., Dave Schaeffer and the Schaeffer Descendents Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 15, 2005)

              10.25

              Brad Kummer Employment Agreement with Cogent Communications Group, Inc., dated January 11, 2000, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Registration Statement on Form S- 1,S-1, Commission File No. 333-81718,333-122821, filed January 30, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference)on February 14, 2005)


              99.1

              10.26



              Letter from

              Note Purchase Agreement by and among Cogent Communications Group, Inc. and Columbia Ventures Corporation dated February 24, 2005 (incorporated by reference to the SecuritiesExhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2005)

              10.27

              Extension of Lease for Headquarters Space, by and Exchange Commission relating to certain assurances given tobetween 6715 Kenilworth Avenue Partnership and Cogent by Arthur Andersen, LLP.Communications Group, Inc., dated February 3, 2005 (filed herewith)

              14.1

              Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (filed herewith)

              21.1

              Subsidiaries (filed herewith)

              23.1

              Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith)

              31.1

              Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)

              31.2

              Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)

              32.1

              Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)

              32.2

              Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)


              *                    Confidential treatment requested and obtained as to certain portions.

              63



              REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

              To Cogent Communications Group, Inc., and Subsidiaries:

                      We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the consolidated financial statements of Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), and Subsidiaries included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated March 1, 2002. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed in item 14(a) are the responsibility of the Company's management and are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic financial statements. These schedules Portions have been subjectedomitted pursuant to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

                                    ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

              Vienna, VA
              March 1, 2002 (except with respect to the matters discussed in
              Note 14, as to which the date is March 27, 2002)this request where indicated by an asterisk.

              6481





              Schedule I

              Cogent Communications Group, Inc.
              Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
              (Parent Company Only)
              Condensed Balance SheetSheets
              As of December 31, 20012003 and December 31, 2004
              (in thousands, except share data)

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              ASSETS
              ASSETS
                 

               

               

               

               

               

              Current assets:   
              Prepaid and other $30 
              Due from Cogent Communications, Inc. 17 
               
               

              Current Assets:

               

               

               

               

               

              Due from Cogent Communications, Inc.

               

              $

              17

               

              $

              18

               

              Total current assetsTotal current assets 47 

               

              17

               

              18

               


              Other Assets:

              Other Assets:

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Investment in Cogent Communications, Inc. 178,147 
               
               

              Due from Cogent Communications, Inc.

               

              60,286

               

              60,286

               

              Due from Cogent France

               

               

              2,611

               

              Investment in Allied Riser, Inc.

               

              20,746

               

              20,746

               

              Investment in Symposium Omega.

               

               

              19,454

               

              Investment in UFO Group, Inc.

               

               

              2,600

               

              Investment in Cogent Germany.

               

               

              927

               

              Investment in Cogent Potomac

               

               

              18,503

               

              Investment in Cogent Communications, Inc.

               

              178,147

               

              178,147

               

              Total assetsTotal assets $178,194 

               

              $

              259,196

               

              $

              303,292

               

               
               
              LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                 

              LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

               

               

               

               

              Liabilities:Liabilities:   

               

               

               

               

               

              Due to Cogent Communications, Inc. $886 
               
               

              Due to Cogent Communications, Inc.

               

              $

              2,239

               

              $

              2,464

               

              Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities 886 

               

              2,239

               

              2,464

               

               
               

              Shareholders Equity:

               

               

               
              Convertible preferred stock, Series A, $0.001 par value: 26,000,000 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $29,417 25,892 
              Convertible preferred stock, Series B, $0.001 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized, 19,809,783 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $99,012 90,009 
              Convertible preferred stock, Series C, $0.001 par value: 52,137,643 shares authorized, 49,773,402 shares issued and outstanding 61,345 
              Common stock, $0.001 par value, 21,100,000 shares authorized 1,409,814 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $100,000 1 
              Additional Paid in Capital 35,490 
              Deferred Compensation (7,847)
              Accumulated deficit (27,582)
               
               
              Total shareholders' equity 177,308 
               
               
              Total liabilities & shareholders equity $178,194 
               
               

              Stockholders Equity:

               

               

               

               

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series F, $0.001 par value; 11,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $11,000

               

              10,904

               

              10,904

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series G, $0.001 par value; 41,030 shares authorized, 41,030 and 41,021 issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $123,000

               

              40,787

               

              40,778

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series H, $0.001 par value; 84,001 shares authorized, 53,372 and 45,821 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $7,731

               

              45,990

               

              44,309

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series I, $0.001 par value; none and 3,000 shares authorized, none and 2,575 shares issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $7,725

               

               

              2.545

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series J, $0.001 par value; none and 3,891 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $58,365

               

               

              19,421

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series K, $0.001 par value; none and 2,600 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $7,800

               

               

              2,588

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series L, $0.001 par value; none and 185 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $2,781

               

               

              927

               

              Convertible preferred stock, Series M, $0.001 par value; none and 3,701 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of $55,508

               

               

              18,353

               

              Common stock, $0.001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 653,567 and 827,487 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

               

              1

               

              1

               

              Treasury stock, 61,462 shares

               

              (90

              )

              (90

              )

              Additional paid in capital

               

              232,474

               

              236,281

               

              Deferred compensation

               

              (32,680

              )

              (22,533

              )

              Stock purchase warrants

               

              764

               

              764

               

              Accumulated deficit

               

              (41,193

              )

              (53,420

              )

              Total stockholders’ equity

               

              256,957

               

              300,828

               

              Total liabilities & stockholders equity

               

              $

              259,196

               

              $

              303,292

               

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of thisthese balance sheetsheets

              6582




              Schedule I


              Cogent Communications Group, Inc.
              Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
              (Parent Company Only)
              Condensed Statement of Operations
              For the Period From March 14, 2001 (Inception) toYears Ended December 31, 20012003 and 2004
              (in thousands)

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Operating expenses:Operating expenses:   

               

               

               

               

               

              Selling, general & administrative $148 
              Amortization of deferred compensation 3,265 
               
               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

              $

              18,675

               

              $

              12,262

               

              Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses 3,413 

               

              18,675

               

              12,262

               

               
               
              Operating lossOperating loss (3,413)

               

              (18,675

              )

              (12,262

              )

               
               

              Interest income—Cogent France

               

               

              35

               

              Net lossNet loss (3,413)

               

              (18,675

              )

              (12,227

              )

              Beneficial conversion of preferred stock (24,168)
               
               

              Beneficial conversion charge related to preferred stock

               

              (52,000

              )

              (43,986

              )

              Net loss applicable to common stockNet loss applicable to common stock $(27,581)

               

              $

              (70,675

              )

              $

              (56,213

              )

               
               

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statementthese statements

              6683




              Schedule I continued


              Cogent Communications Group, Inc.
              Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
              (Parent Company Only)
              Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
              For the Period From March 14, 2001 (Inception) toYears Ended December 31, 20012003 and 2004
              (in thousands)

              Cash flows from operating activities:    
              Net loss $(3,413)
              Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:    
               Amortization of deferred compensation  3,265 
              Changes in Assets & Liabilities:    
               Due from Cogent Communications  148 
                
               
                Net cash used in operating activities   
                
               
              Net increase (decrease) in cash & cash equivalents   
              Cash and cash equivalents — beginning of period   
                
               
              Cash and cash equivalents — end of period $ 
                
               
              Supplemental cash flow disclosures:    

              Non-cash financing & investing activities:

               

               

               

               
              Professional fees paid by Cogent Communications, Inc. on behalf of the Parent $886 

               

               

              2003

               

              2004

               

              Cash flows from operating activities:

               

               

               

               

               

              Net loss

               

              $

              (18,675

              )

              $

              (12,227

              )

              Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

               

               

               

               

               

              Amortization of deferred compensation

               

              18,675

               

              12,262

               

              Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

               

               

               

               

               

              Accrued interest—Cogent France

               

               

              (35

              )

              Net cash used in operating activities

               

               

               

              Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

               

               

               

              Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

               

               

               

              Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

               

              $

               

              $

               

              Supplemental cash flow disclosures:

               

               

               

               

               

              Non-cash financing & investing activities:

               

               

               

               

               

              Investment in Cogent Communications, Inc.

               

              $

              60,286

               

              $

               

              Investment in Symposium Omega.

               

               

              19,454

               

              Investment in UFO Group, Inc.

               

               

              2,600

               

              Investment in Cogent Germany.

               

               

              927

               

              Investment in Cogent Potomac

               

               

              18,503

               

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statementthese statements

              6784





              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.
              CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
              (Parent Company Only)
              AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
              2003 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004

              Note A: Background and Basis for Presentation

              Cogent Communications, Inc. ("Cogent"(“Cogent”) was formed on August 9, 1999, as a Delaware corporation and is locatedheadquartered in Washington, D.C. Cogent is a facilities-based Internet Services Provider ("ISP"), providing Internet access to multi-tenanted office buildings in approximately 20 major metropolitan areas in the United States and in Toronto, Canada. On March 14,DC. In 2001, Cogent formed Cogent Communications Group, Inc., (the "Company"“Company”), a Delaware corporation. Effective on March 14, 2001, Cogent'sCogent’s stockholders exchanged all of their outstanding common and preferred shares for an equal number of shares of the Company, and Cogent became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The common and preferred shares of the Company include rights and privileges identical to the common and preferred shares of Cogent. This was a tax-free exchange that was accounted for by the Company at Cogent'sCogent’s historical cost. All

              The Company is a leading facilities-based provider of Cogent's options forlow-cost, high-speed Internet access and Internet Protocol communications services. The Company’s network is specifically designed and optimized to transmit data using IP. The Company delivers its services to small and medium-sized businesses, communications service providers and other bandwidth-intensive organizations through over 8,700 customer connections in North America and Europe.

              The Company’s primary on-net service is Internet access at a speed of 100 Megabits per second, much faster than typical Internet access currently offered to businesses. The Company offers this on-net service exclusively through its own facilities, which run all the way to its customers’ premises. Because of its integrated network architecture, the Company is not dependent on local telephone companies to serve its on-net customers. The Company’s typical customers in multi-tenant office buildings are law firms, financial services firms, advertising and marketing firms and other professional services businesses. The Company also provides on-net Internet access at a speed of one Gigabit per second and greater to certain bandwidth-intensive users such as universities, other ISPs and commercial content providers.

              In addition to providing on-net services, the Company also provides Internet connectivity to customers that are not located in buildings directly connected to its network. The Company serves these off-net customers using other carriers’ facilities to provide the “last mile” portion of the link from its customers’ premises to the Company’s network. The Company also operates 30 data centers throughout North America and Europe that allow customers to colocate their equipment and access our network, and from which the Company provides managed modem service.

              The Company has created its network by purchasing optical fiber from carriers with large amounts of unused fiber and directly connecting Internet routers to the existing optical fiber national backbone. The Company has expanded its network through several acquisitions of financially distressed companies or their assets. The overall impact of these acquisitions on the operation of its business has been to extend the physical reach of the Company’s network in both North America and Europe, expand the breadth of its service offerings, and increase the number of customers to whom the Company provides its services.

              Reverse Stock Split

              On March 24, 2005, the Company effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to this event.


              Equity Conversion

              In February 2005, the Company’s holders of its preferred stock elected to convert all of their shares of preferred stock into shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Equity Conversion”). As a result, the Company no longer has outstanding shares of preferred stock and the liquidation preferences on preferred stock have been eliminated.

              Withdrawal of Public Offering

              In May 2004, the Company filed a registration statement to sell shares of common stock in a public offering. In October 2004, the Company withdrew the public offering.

              Public Offering

              The Company has filed a registration statement to sell up to $86.3 million shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering. There can be no assurances that the Public Offering will be completed.

              Note B: Management’s Plans, Liquidity and Business Risks

              The Company has experienced losses since its inception in 1999 and as of December 31, 2004 has an accumulated deficit of $53.4 million. The Company operates in the rapidly evolving Internet services industry, which is subject to intense competition and rapid technological change, among other factors. The successful execution of the Company’s business plan is dependent upon the Company’s ability to increase and retain its customers, its ability to integrate acquired businesses and purchased assets into its operations and realize planned synergies, the performance of the Company’s network equipment, the extent to which acquired businesses and assets are able to meet the Company’s expectations and projections, the Company’s ability to retain and attract key employees, and the Company’s ability to manage its growth and geographic expansion, among other factors.

              In February 2005, the Company issued a subordinated note for $10 million in cash. In March 2005, the Company entered into a $10.0 million line of credit facility and borrowed $10.0 million under this facility, of which $4.0 million is restricted and held by the lender. In March 2005, the Company sold its building located in Lyon, France for net proceeds of approximately $5.1 million. Management believes that cash generated from the Company’s operations combined with the amounts received from these transactions is adequate to meet the Company’s future funding requirements. Although management believes that the Company will successfully mitigate its risks, management cannot give assurances that it will be able to do so or that the Company will ever operate profitably. maturity date.

              Note C: Accounting for Investments

              The Company accounts for its investments in its subsidiaries at cost.

              Acquisition of Aleron Broadband Services (“Aleron”)

              In October 2004, the Company acquired certain assets of Aleron Broadband Services, formally known as AGIS Internet in exchange for 3,700 shares of its Series M preferred stock. The Series M preferred stock was convertible into approximately 5.7 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. The Company acquired Aleron’s customer base and network, as well as Aleron’s Internet access and managed modem service.

              Acquisition of Global Access

              In September 2004, the Company issued 185 shares of Series L preferred stock to the shareholders of Global Access Telecommunications, Inc. (“Global Access”) in exchange for the majority of the assets of Global Access. The Series L preferred stock was convertible into approximately 0.3 million sharesof the


              Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. The estimated fair market value for the Series L preferred stock was determined by using the price per share of the Company’s Series J preferred stock. Global Access was headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and provided Internet access and other data services in Germany.

              Merger with UFO Group, Inc.

              In August 2004, a subsidiary of the Company merged with UFO Group, Inc. (“UFO Group”). The Company issued 2,600 shares of Series K preferred stock in exchange for the outstanding shares of UFO Group. The Series K preferred stock was convertible into approximately 0.8 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. The estimated fair market value for the Series K preferred stock was determined by using the price per share of the Company’s Series J preferred stock.

              Merger with Symposium Omega

              In March 2004, Symposium Omega, Inc., (“Omega”) a Delaware corporation and related party, merged with a subsidiary of the Company (Note 12). Prior to the merger, Omega had raised approximately $19.5 million in cash in a private equity transaction with certain existing investors in the Company and acquired the rights to a German fiber optic network. The German fiber optic network had no customers, employees or associated revenues. The Company issued 3,891 shares of Series J preferred stock to the shareholders of Omega in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Omega. The Series J preferred stock was convertible into approximately 6.0 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion.

              Merger with Symposium Gamma, Inc. and Acquisition of Firstmark Communications Participations S.à r.l. and Subsidiaries (“Firstmark”)

              In January 2004, a subsidiary of the Company merged with Symposium Gamma, Inc. (“Gamma”). Immediately prior to the merger, Gamma had raised $2.5 million through the sale of its common stock in a private equity transaction with certain existing investors in the Company and new investors and in January 2004, acquired Firstmark for 1 euro. The merger expanded the Company’s network into Western Europe. Under the merger agreement all of the issued and outstanding shares of Gamma common stock were also converted into 2,575 shares of the Company’s Series I preferred stock. The Series I preferred stock was convertible into approximately 0.8 million sharesof the Company’s common stock and converted into common stock in connection with the Equity Conversion. In 2004, Firstmark changed its name to optionsCogent Europe S.à r.l (“Cogent Europe”).

              Note D: Stockholders Equity

              In June 2003, the Company’s board of directors and shareholders approved an amended and restated charter that eliminated the reference to the Company’s Series A, B, C, D, and E preferred stock (“Existing Preferred Stock”). In March 2005, the Company’s board of directors and shareholders approved an amended and restated charter that increased the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock to 75.0 million shares and designated 10,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock.

              On July 31, 2003 and in connection with the Company’ restructuring of its debt with Cisco Capital, all of the Company’s Existing Preferred Stock was converted into approximately 0.5 million shares of common stock. At the same time the Company issued 11,000 shares of Series F preferred stock to Cisco Capital under the Exchange Agreement and issued 41,030 shares of Series G preferred stock for gross proceeds of $41.0 million to the Investors under the Purchase Agreement.


              In January 2004, Symposium Gamma Inc. (“Gamma”) merged with a subsidiary of the Company. Under the merger agreement, all of the issued and outstanding shares of Gamma common stock were converted into 2,575 shares of the Company’s Series I preferred stock and the Company became Gamma and Cogent Europe’s sole shareholder.

              Note B: Credit Facility—Cisco CapitalOn March 30, 2004, Symposium Omega, Inc., (“Omega”) merged with a subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the merger Omega had raised approximately $19.5 million in cash and acquired the rights to acquire a German fiber optic network. The Company issued 3,891 shares of Series J preferred stock to the shareholders of Omega in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Omega.

              On August 12, 2004, UFO Group, Inc., (“UFO Group”) merged with a subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the merger UFO Group had raised net cash of approximately $2.1 million and acquired the rights to acquire the majority of the assets of Unlimited Fiber Optics, Inc. The Company issued 2,600 shares of Series K preferred stock to the shareholders of UFO Group in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of UFO Group.

              On September 15, 2004, the Company issued 185 shares of Series L preferred stock to the shareholders of Global Access Telecommunications Inc. (“Global Access”) in exchange for the majority of the assets of Global Access.

              On October 26, 2004, the Company merged with Cogent Potomac, Inc. (“Potomac”). The Company issued 3,700 shares of Series M preferred stock in exchange for all of the outstanding common shares of Potomac. Prior to the merger, Potomac had acquired the majority of the assets of Aleron Broadband Services LLC (“Aleron”).

              Each share of the Series F preferred stock, Series G preferred stock, Series H preferred stock, Series I preferred stock, Series J preferred stock, Series K preferred stock, Series L preferred stock and Series M preferred stock (collectively, the “New Preferred”) may be converted into shares of common stock at the election of its holder at any time. The Series F, Series G, Series I, Series J, Series K, Series L and Series M preferred stock were convertible into 3.4 million, 12.7 million, 0.8 million, 6.0 million, 0.8 million, 0.3 million and 5.7 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively. In March 2000, Cogent entered2005, the New Preferred was converted into a $280 million credit facility with Cisco Capital. In March 2001, the credit facility was increased to $310 million. In October 2001, Cogent entered into a new agreement for $409 million (the "Facility"). This credit facility replaced the existing $310 million credit facility between Cisco Capital and Cogent. The October 2001 agreement matures on December 31, 2008 and is available to finance the purchases of Cisco network equipment, software and related services, to fund working capital, and to fund interest and fees related to the Facility. Borrowings are secured by a pledge of all of Cogent's assets andvoting common stock. The Facility includes restrictionsliquidation preferences on Cogent'sthe New Preferred were also eliminated.

              Dividends

              Cogent’s Cisco credit facility and the Company’s line of credit prohibit the Company from paying cash dividends and restricts the Company’s ability to transfer assetsmake other distributions to its stockholders.

              Beneficial Conversion Charges

              Beneficial conversion charges of $2.5 million, $19.5 million, $2.6 million, $0.9 million and $18.5 million were recorded on January 5, 2004, March 30, 2004, August 12, 2004, September 15, 2004, and October 26, 2004 respectively, since the price per common share at which the Series I, Series J, Series K, Series L and Series M preferred stock converts into were less than the quoted trading price of the Company’s common stock on that date.

              Note E: Deferred Compensation Charges—Stock Options and Restricted Stock

              In September 2003, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the board of directors adopted and the stockholders approved, the Company’s 2003 Incentive Award Plan (the “Award Plan”). The Award Plan reserved 54,001 shares of Series H preferred stock for issuance under the Award Plan. In September 2003, the Company exceptoffered its employees the opportunity to exchange eligible outstanding stock options and certain common stock for certain operating liabilities.restricted shares of Series H preferred stock under the Award


              Plan. In 2004, the Company’s board of directors and shareholders approved the Company’s 2004 Incentive Award Plan that increased the shares of Series H preferred stock available for grant as either restricted shares or options for restricted shares under the Award Plan from 54,001 to 84,001 shares. In July 2004, the Company began granting options for Series H preferred stock. Each share of Series H preferred stock and each option for Series H preferred stock was convertible into approximately 38 shares of common stock and were converted in connection with the Equity Conversion. The Series H preferred shares were valued using the trading price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. For restricted shares granted under the offer to exchange, the vesting period was 27% upon grant with the remaining shares vesting ratably over a three year period and for share and options grants to newly hired employees; the shares generally vest 25% after one year with the remaining shares vesting ratably over three years.

              The Company recorded a deferred compensation charge of approximately $14.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 related to options granted at exercise prices below the estimated fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The deferred compensation charge was amortized over the vesting period of the related options which was generally four years. In connection with the October 2003 offer to exchange and granting of Series H preferred stock the remaining $3.2 million unamortized balance of deferred compensation is now amortized over the vesting period of the Series H preferred stock.

              In July 2004, the Company began granting options for Series H preferred stock, 17,500 of which were granted with an exercise price below the trading price of the Company’s common stock on grant date. These option grants resulted in additional deferred compensation of $4.7 million recorded during the third quarter of 2004. Deferred compensation for these option grants was determined by multiplying the difference between the exercise price and the market value of the Series H preferred stock on grant date times the number of options granted and is being amortized over the service period.

              Under the offer to exchange, the Company recorded a deferred compensation charge of approximately $46.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. The Company has guaranteed Cogent's obligations underalso granted additional shares of Series H preferred to its new employees resulting in an additional deferred compensation. For grants of restricted stock, when an employee terminates prior to full vesting, the Facility.total remaining deferred compensation charge is reduced, the employee retains their vested shares and the employees’ unvested shares are returned to the plan. For grants of options for restricted stock, when an employee terminates prior to full vesting, the total remaining deferred compensation charge is reduced, previously recorded deferred compensation is reversed and the employee may elect to exercise their vested options for a period of ninety days and any of the employees’ unvested options are returned to the plan. Deferred compensation for the granting of Series H preferred restricted shares was determined using the trading price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

                      Please see the attached Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional informationThe amortization of deferred compensation expense related to this agreement.stock options and restricted stock was approximately $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $12.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              6889





              Schedule II

              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

              Description

               

               

               

              Balance at
              Beginning of
              Period

               

              Charged to
              Costs and
              Expenses(a)

               

              Acquisitions

               

              Deductions

               

              Balance at
              End of
              Period

               

              Allowance for doubtful accounts (deducted from accounts receivable), (in thousands)

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2002

               

               

              $

              112

               

               

               

              $

              3,887

               

               

               

              $

              2,863

               

               

               

              $

              4,839

               

               

               

              $

              2,023

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2003

               

               

              $

              2,023

               

               

               

              $

              5,165

               

               

               

              $

              125

               

               

               

              $

              4,445

               

               

               

              $

              2,868

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2004

               

               

              $

              2,868

               

               

               

              $

              4,406

               

               

               

              $

              2,247

               

               

               

              $

              6,292

               

               

               

              $

              3,229

               

               

              Allowance for Credits (deducted from accounts receivable), (in thousands)

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2002

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              200

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              200

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2003

               

               

              $

              200

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              50

               

               

               

              $

              150

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2004

               

               

              $

              150

               

               

               

              $

              140

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              140

               

               

               

              $

              150

               

               

              Allowance for Unfulfilled Purchase Obligations (deducted from accounts receivable), (in thousands)

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2002

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              2,038

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              2,023

               

               

               

              $

              15

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2003

               

               

              $

              15

               

               

               

              $

              1,317

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              1,015

               

               

               

              $

              317

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2004

               

               

              $

              317

               

               

               

              $

              537

               

               

               

              $

              1,254

               

               

               

              $

              1,944

               

               

               

              $

              164

               

               

              Restructuring accrual), (in thousands)

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

               

              Year ended December 31, 2004

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $1,821

               

               

               

              $

               

               

               

              $

              345

               

               

               

              $

              1,476

               

               


              (a)           Bad debt expense, net of recoveries, was approximately $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 and $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.

              Description90


              Allowance for doubtful accounts

              (deducted from accounts receivable, in thousands)

               
               Balance at
              Beginning of
              Period

               Charged to
              Costs and
              Expenses

               Acquisitions
               Deductions
               Balance at
              End of Period

              Year ended December 31, 2001 $ $263 $945 $1,096 $112

              69


              SIGNATURES
              SIGNATURES

              Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.


              Dated: March 31, 2005


              By:


              BY:


              /S/  DAVID SCHAEFFER

              Name: David Schaeffer

              Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

               

              Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

              Signature


              Title


              Date







              /s/ DAVID SCHAEFFER

              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

              March 31, 2005

              David Schaeffer

              (Principal Executive Officer)

              /s/ DAVID SCHAEFFER      


              David Schaeffer
              Chairman and CEOMarch 29, 2002

              /s/  
              WILLIAM CURRER      
              William Currer


              President and COO


              March 29, 2002

              /s/  
              HELEN LEE      
              Helen Lee


              CFO and Director


              March 29, 2002

              /s/  
              THADDEUS G. WEED

              Chief Financial Officer

              March 31, 2005

              Thaddeus G. Weed



              Vice President, Controller

              (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)



              March 29, 2002


              /s/ EDWARD GLASSMEYER


              Edward Glassmeyer



              Director



              March 29, 200231, 2005

              Edward Glassmeyer


              /s/ EREL MARGALIT


              Erel Margalit



              Director



              March 29, 200231, 2005

              Erel Margalit


              /s/ JAMES WEI      JEAN-JACQUES BERTRAND


              James Wei



              Director



              March 29, 200231, 2005

              Jean-Jacques Bertrand


              /s/ B. HOLT THRASHER      TIMOTHY WEINGARTEN


              B. Holt Thrasher



              Director



              March 29, 200231, 2005

              Timothy Weingarten

              /s/ STEVEN BROOKS

              Director

              March 31, 2005

              Steven Brooks

              /s/ MICHAEL CARUS

              Director

              March 31, 2005

              Michael Carus

              /s/ KENNETH D. PETERSON, JR.

              Director

              March 31, 2005

              Kenneth D. Peterson, Jr.

              91



              QuickLinks

              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC. FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 TABLE OF CONTENTS
              SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
              PART I
              PART II
              REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 2001 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (AUGUST 9, 1999) TO DECEMBER 31, 1999, AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 2001 (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (AUGUST 9, 1999) TO DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 2001 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (AUGUST 9, 1999) TO DECEMBER 31, 1999, AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 2001 (IN THOUSANDS)
              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999, 2000, and 2001
              PART III
              PART IV
              Exhibit Index
              REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
              Cogent Communications Group, Inc. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Condensed Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2001 (in thousands, except share data)
              Cogent Communications Group, Inc. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Condensed Statement of Operations For the Period From March 14, 2001 (Inception) to December 31, 2001 (in thousands)
              Cogent Communications Group, Inc. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) Condensed Statement of Cash Flows For the Period From March 14, 2001 (Inception) to December 31, 2001
              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Parent Company Only) AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
              COGENT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
              SIGNATURES